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Tag Archives: Awards

Though taller than some of her leading men, Cyd Charisse was a staple of movie musicals throughout the 1940s and 1950s as well as appeared alongside Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire.

Since my last 10 movie stars are all women, I open this final installment with a note about actresses. Now while actresses in Hollywood have always had less opportunity than men, ladies in the Golden Age of Hollywood didn’t have much better, especially with the morality clauses. Of course, a lot of actresses I’ve known during that period were in only a few known films and had less roles in movies I’ve never heard of as they aged. Yet, some who weren’t cast for their youth and beauty tended to be confined to character and supporting roles. So it’s no surprise that I didn’t compile as many. Yet, in this final edition here are 10 more. First, we have Margaret Hamilton famous for playing the Wicked Witch of the West but was actually a rather nice lady followed by Mildred Dunnock a schoolteacher who later played Mrs. Loman in Death of a Salesman. Second, there are versatile actresses Geraldine Fitzgerald and Ann Southern who’ve both had long careers as well as Nina Foch who played the Pharaoh’s daughter in The Ten Commandments (the one who found Moses). After them comes Dame Flora Robson though not pretty played roles ranging from maids, queens, and serial killers on stage and screen followed by Una O’Connor who mostly played maids. Then there’s wholesome cute girl Jean Crain whom studios wanted to play teenagers for years. Next is Cyd Charisse best known for her long marriage to Tony Martin as well as her roles in movie musicals during the 1940s and 1950s. And last but not least is the first icy Hitchcock blonde herself, Madeleine Carroll. So without further adieu, here are 10 Oscar less actresses for your reading pleasure in this final edition I bring to you.

191. Margaret Hamilton

Wicked Witch of the West: [to Dorothy] “And as for you, my fine lady, it’s true I can’t attend to you here and now as I’d like; but just try to stay out of my way – just try! I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!”Though Margaret Hamilton would traumatize generations of children as the Wicked Witch of the West, she was a sweet woman who frequently gave to charitable organizations, spoke for pet welfare and public education, and dearly loved children.

Personal Life: (1902-1985) Born in Cleveland, Ohio. Attended Wheelock College in Boston where she became a teacher. Made her stage debut in 1923. Made her first film in 1933. Married to Paul Meserve for 7 years and had a son she raised on her own. Retired in 1982. Died of a heart attack in Salisbury, Connecticut at 82.
Famous for: American character actress best known as the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. Career spanned for nearly 50 years and usually playing spinsters, particularly of the New England variety. Notable roles are Madame Du Barry from Hat, Coat, and Glove, Lucy Gurget from The Farmer Takes a Wife, Martha Perkins from Way Down East, Agatha from These Three, Drugstore Lady from Nothing Sacred, Mrs. Harper from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Miss Gulch / The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, Martha Steele from Babes in Arms, Mrs. Gideon from My Little Chickadee, Mrs. Jackson from The Invisible Woman, Norah from Twin Beds, Mrs. Larch from The Ox-Bow Incident, Myrtle Ferguson from Johnny Come Lately, Norah from State of the Union, Teacher from The Red Pony, Mrs. Theresa Appleby from Bungalow 13, Elaine Zacharides from 13 Ghosts, Mrs. Nicholson from Paradise Alley, Miss Kaller from The Anderson Tapes, Daphne Heap from Brewster McCloud, and Mae from Rosie!.
Nominated for: Hamilton was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1939 for The Wizard of Oz. Man, she was one mean and green witch.
Reasons: Trust me, you don’t want to give a statuette to a woman best known for playing a notorious villain known to traumatize kids for generations. It’s kind of a shame since she was a very nice person who cared deeply about children and frequently gave to charitable organizations. And it didn’t help that many children believed she was mean in real life.
Trivia: During the 1930s, she never put herself under contract to any one studio and priced her services at $1,000 a week to support herself and her son. Garland visited her and looked after her son while she was recovering in the hospital after she suffered burns during her exit from Munchkinland filming. When she returned, she said, “I won’t sue, because I know how this business works, and I would never work again. I will return to work on one condition — no more fireworks!” A stand-in for her wasn’t so lucky. Son commented that she enjoyed saying, “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!”-that she sometimes used it in real life. Took roles in whatever medium she could get if she was free. Though she reprised her famous role on Sesame Street, her appearance hasn’t been aired since 1976 as a result of complaints from parents of terrified children. Yet, she also appeared on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood where she explained that she wasn’t a bad witch. Appeared in PSAs for organizations promoting the welfare of pets. Was lifelong friends with Ray Bolger. Served on the Beverly Hills Board of Education between 1948 to 1951, and was a Sunday school teacher during the 1950s.Said The Wizard of Oz was her favorite book since she was 4.

192. Mildred Dunnock

A school teacher who didn’t start acting until her 30s, Mildred Dunnock was known to play sweet motherly figures such as Linda Loman from Death of a Salesman. Yet, she’s the one in the wheelchair Richard Widmark pushes down the stairs in Kiss of Death.

Personal Life: (1901-1991) Born in Baltimore, Maryland. Attended Goucher College. Was a school teacher who didn’t start acting until her early 30s. Made her first film in 1944. Married to Keith Urmy for 58 years and had 2 children. Retired in 1987. Died of natural causes at Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts at 90.
Famous for: American character actress whose career spanned 57 years. Notable roles are Miss Ronberry from The Corn is Green, Mrs. Rizzo from Kiss of Death, Linda Loman from Death of a Salesman, Señora Espejo from Viva Zapata!, Mrs. Ruth Golding from The Jazz Singer, Martha Reno from Love Me Tender, Mrs. Wiggs from The Trouble with Harry, Aunt Rose Comfort from Baby Doll, Miss Elsie Thornton from Peyton Place, Sister Margharita (Mistress of Postulants) from The Nun’s Story, Mrs. Wandrous from Butterfield 8, Pilar from Behold a Pale Horse, Mrs. Sherman from The Spiral Staircase, and Nellie from The Pick-Up Artist.
Nominated for: Dunnock was nominated twice for Best Supporting Actress in 1951 for Death of a Salesman and 1956 for Baby Doll.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1947 for Kiss of Death. I mean she should get something after what Richard Widmark did to her in that movie.
Reasons: Dunnock was nominated in very bad years and was burned out by the competition.
Trivia: Was a founding member of the Actors Studio.

193. Geraldine Fitzgerald

Though best known for playing the clueless Isabelle Linton from Wuthering Heights, Irish-American actress Geraldine Fitzgerald enjoyed a long acting career in film, theater, and television. Of course, we’re not sure if her son’s father was Orson Welles even though it’s rumored to be.

Personal Life: (1913-2005) Born in Greystones, County Wicklow in Ireland. Father was an attorney. Studied painting at the Dublin School of Art and the Polytechnic School of Art. Debuted on stage in 1932 and made her first film in 1934. Became a US citizen during WWII. Married twice and had 2 children. Married to second husband Stuart Scheftel for 48 years. Retired in 1991. Died in New York City of Alzheimer’s Disease at 91.
Famous for: Irish American actress whose career spanned 59 years. Notable roles are
Maggie Tulliver from The Mill of the Floss, Isabella from Wuthering Heights, Ann King from Dark Victory, Marthe de Brancovis from Watch on the Rhine, Edith Bolling Galt from Wilson,
Ellen Rogers / Elaine Duprez from O. S. S., Gladys Halvorsen from Nobody Lives Forever, Elizabeth Grahame from The Obsessed, Marilyn Birchfield from The Pawnbroker, Rev. Wood from Rachel, Rachel, Mrs. Jackson from The Last American Hero, Jessie from Harry and Tonto, Grandma Carr from The Mango Tree, Maud Kennaway from Diary of the Dead, Martha Bach from Arthur, and Mrs. Monahan from Easy Money.
Nominated for: Fitzgerald was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1939 for Wuthering Heights.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for her long and varied career.
Reasons: Perhaps it’s due to that we’re not sure who Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s father who’s said to resemble Orson Welles. Also was burned by the competition in 1939.
Trivia: Second husband was grandson of Isidor Straus who died on the Titanic. Was one of the first women to receive a Tony nomination for directing. Spent time as a cabaret singer in the 1970s. Mother of Let It Be director Michael Lindsay-Hogg but we’re not sure whether his father was her first husband or Orson Welles.

194. Nina Foch

Though most famous as Moses’ adoptive mother in The Ten Commandments, Dutch born Nina Foch often played aloof, and often foreign women of sophistication. She was also blonde by the way and started in horror movies.

Personal Life: (1924-2008) Born Nina Consuelo Maud Fock in Leiden, Netherlands. Mother was an American actress and singer while father was a Dutch classical music conductor. Went with her mother to the US as a toddler after her parents divorced. Made her first film in 1943. Married 3 times and had a son to second husband Dennis de Brito. Lived at Beverly Hills for over 40 years. Died of complications from the blood disorder myelodysplasia (or kidney disease) at 84.
Famous for: Dutch-born American actress and leading lady in films from the 1940s to the 1950s. Played cool, aloof, and often foreign women of sophistication. Appeared in over 80 films and hundreds of TV shows. Notable roles are Nicki Saunders from The Return of the Vampire, Lois Garland from Shadows in the Night, Celeste from Cry of the Werewolf, Frieda Brenner from Strange Affair, Constantia from A Song to Remember, Milo Roberts from An American in Paris, Marie Antoinette from Scaramouche, Elena Cantu from Sombrero, Erica Martin from Executive Suite, Bithiah from The Ten Commandments, and Helena Glabrus from Spartacus.
Nominated for: Foch was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1954 for Executive Suite.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1960 for Spartacus. Yes, she didn’t have enough screen time but her portrayal of a Roman aristocrat was one of the most historically accurate in movie history.
Reasons: Probably had to do with the fact she was in a lot of horror movies early in her career. Also burned by the competition when she was nominated. I mean it should’ve been clear that Eva Marie Saint was going to win.
Trivia: Taught at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts as well as spent time as an acting coach. Last name “Foch” rhymes with “Gosh” (I can see where mispronunciations can get out of hand).

195. Cyd Charisse

Born Tula Ellice Finklea, Cyd Charisse adopted her stage name by using an alternative spelling of her brother’s nickname for her which was a mispronunciation of “Sis” and the surname of her first husband Nico. Also known for her long legs.

Personal Life: (1922-2008) Born Tula Ellice Finklea in Amarillo, Texas. Father was a jeweler. Took dancing lessons as a child to overcome a bout of polio. Auditioned and danced for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Went to Hollywood after the company broke up in WWII. Made her first film in 1943. Married twice and had a son to each husband. Married to second husband Tony Martin for 60 years. Retired in 2007. Died of a heart attack at 86.
Famous for: American actress and singer whose abilities were featured in 1940s and 1950s musicals and transitioned to straight acting in the 1950s. Notable roles are Lily from Something to Shout About, Deborah Andrews from The Harvey Girls, Ballerina from The Ziegfeld Follies, Conchita from Fiesta, Rosa Senta from East Side, West Side, Dancer from Singin’ in the Rain, Gabrielle Gerard from The Band Wagon, Fiona Campbell from Brigadoon, Jackie Leighton from It’s Always Fair Weather, Maria Corvier from Meet Me in Las Vegas, Ninotchka Yoschenko from Silk Stockings, Charlotte King from Twilight of the Gods, and Sarita from The Silencers.
Nominated for: Charisse was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for her career. Seriously, she’s one of the best known dancers in 1950s musicals. Not to mention, she had to make herself look shorter than some of her co-stars like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire which was no easy task.
Reasons: Charisse is best known for her dancing in musicals and her long marriage to Tony Martin but not much else. And basically only acted sporadically after the 1950s.
Trivia: Was listed under The Guinness Book of World Records for “Most Valuable Legs” because it’s said MGM reportedly insured for $5 million, though she claimed this was false. Wrote a joint memoir with second husband Tony Martin. Stage name originated from her brother’s nickname for her, “Sid” which was a mispronunciation of “Sis” and the last name of her first husband Nico Charisse. Awarded the National Medal of the Arts and Humanities in 2006. Daughter-in-law died in the American Airlines Flight 191 tragedy on May 25, 1979. Produced an exercise video targeted to senior citizens.

196. Una O’Connor

Born in a Catholic nationalist family in Northern Ireland, Una O’Connor would have an extensive career as a character actress mainly playing comical wives, housekeepers, and servants, especially in 1930s horror movies.

Personal Life: (1880-1959) Born Agnes Teresa McGlade in Belfast, Ireland to a Catholic Nationalist family. Changed her name when she began acting at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre. Made her first film in 1930. Never married or had children. Retired in 1957. Died of a heart attack at 78.
Famous for: Irish character actress known for playing comical wives, housekeepers, and servants. Notable roles are Ellen Bridges from Cavalcade, Jenny Hall from The Invisible Man, Wilson from The Barretts of Wimpole Street, Mrs. Gummidge from David Copperfield, Mrs. McPhillip from The Informer, Minnie from Bride of Frankenstein, Mary from Little Lord Fauntleroy, Bess from The Adventures of Robin Hood, Miss Latham from The Sea Hawk, Mrs. Mulcahey from The Strawberry Blonde, Marie from Lillian Russell, Tobacconist from Random Harvest, Norah from Christmas in Connecticut, Sarah Leek from Holy Matrimony, Mrs. Umney from The Canterville Ghost, Mrs. Breen from The Bells of St. Mary’s, Mrs. Foreman from Of Human Bondage, Duenna from The Adventures of Don Juan, and Janet from Witness for the Prosecution.
Nominated for: O’Connor was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1957 for Witness for the Prosecution.
Reasons: She was basically typecast as the female comic relief. Also known to appear in a lot of horror movies and came from a Catholic nationalist family from Northern Ireland.
Trivia: Would not work on any radio program sponsored by a company that distributed or manufactured alcohol in any form.

197. Dame Flora Robson

Dame Flora Robson may not have had the looks of a leading lady, yet she played a wide range of roles on stage and screen from queens to killers. She also played Queen Elizabeth I in 2 movies.

Personal Life: (1902-1984) Born in South Shields, Durham in England. Came from a family of engineers and her father was a ship’s engineer who noticed her talent at 5. Grew up in London and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Made her stage debut at 19 but found it difficult to get parts because she lacked the conventional looks (she had a long face, big nose, and wide mouth). Made her first film in 1931. Private life mostly focused on her sisters so she never married or had children. Retired in 1981. Possibly died of cancer at 82.
Famous for: British actress and star of stage and cinema particularly renowned for her performances in plays demanding dramatic and emotional intensity. Range extended from queens to murderesses. Notable roles are Empress Elisabeth from The Rise of Catherine the Great, Livia from I, Claudius, Queen Elizabeth I of England from Fire Over England and The Sea Hawk, Ellen from Wuthering Heights, Angelique Buiton from Saratoga Trunk, Ftatateeta from Caesar and Cleopatra, Sister Philippa from Black Narcissus, Countess Clara Platen from Saraband, Nurse from Romeo and Juliet, Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi from 55 Days at Peking, Miss Milchrest from Murder at the Gallop, Mrs. Cassidy from Young Cassidy, Queen of Hearts from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and A Stygian Witch from Clash of the Titans.
Nominated for: Robson was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1946 for Saratoga Trunk.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for any roles in her better known films most notably for Best Supporting Actress in 1947 for Black Narcissus.
Reasons: Robson was better known as a British actress on the stage than in Hollywood films. Also, Saratoga Trunk wasn’t a good movie according to critics. Not to mention being burned by the competition.
Trivia: Was of Scottish descent. Received an honorary doctorate from Durham University. Became a dame in 1960.

198. Ann Sothern

Ann Southern was an actress of many talents who performed on radio, stage, and screen for decades as well as started a variety of businesses she managed. She also survived hepatitis and a back injury in the1970s as well as lived to 92.

Personal Life: (1909-2001) Born Harriet Arlene Lake in Valley City, North Dakota. Mother was a concert singer and later vocal coach for Warner Bros. while father worked in importing and exporting. Grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At 4, her parents separated and would divorce in 1927. Started taking piano lessons at 5 and accompanied her mother in concert tours as long as school permitted it. Began voice lessons at 14. Attended the University of Washington but dropped out after a year and soon joined her mother where she won a role in a Warner Bros. revue. Made her first film in 1927. Married twice and had a daughter to second husband Robert Sterling. Contracted infections hepatitis after getting impure serum from England in the late 1940s which confined her to a bed. In 1974, she was injured in Jacksonville, Florida when a fake tree fell on her back which left her with a fractured lumbar vertebrae and damaged nerves in her legs. She was then subject to multiple hospitalizations, weight gain, back braces, depression, physical pain, and had to walk with a cane for the rest of her life. Retired in 1987 and moved to Ketchum, where she lived for the rest of her life. Died of heart failure at 92.
Famous for: American actress whose career spanned 6 decades starting from bit parts to starring roles. Worked on stage, radio, film, and television. Notable roles are Maisie Ravier from The Maisie series, Flo Adams from Brother Orchid, Joyce Harmon from Words and Music, Rita Phipps from A Letter to Three Wives, Crystal Carpenter from The Blue Gardenia, Sue Ellen Gamadge from The Best Man, Sade from Lady in a Cage, Mrs. Grace Argona from Sylvia, and Tisha Doughty from The Whales of August.
Nominated for: Sothern was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1987 for The Whales of August.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1949 for A Letter to Three Wives.
Reasons: Sothern was just burned by the competition during her nomination. Also, she only acted sporadically in her later years.
Trivia: Maternal grandfather was Danish violinist Hans Nielsen and paternal grandfather was Quaker engineer and naval architect Simon Lake. Won a state sponsored contest for student musical composer 3 years in a row in high school. Was a classmate of Eddie Albert in high school and graduated in the same class with him. Converted to Roman Catholicism in 1952 and credited her faith with helping her get over her health issues. Had her own TV show. Opened the Ann Sothern Sewing Center in Sun Valley, Idaho which sold fabric, patterns and sewing machines in the 1950s. Had a cattle ranch in Idaho named the A Bar S Cattle Company. Owned Vincent Productions, Inc. as well as nightclubs in Las Vegas and Chicago. Also had her own music company called A Bar S Music Company and released albums. Mother of Tisha Sterling.

199. Jeanne Crain

While Jean Crain striven to be a serious actress on film, the studios always wanted her to play cute girls. For instance, despite thinking that Pinky would lead to better roles, 20th Century Fox cast her as a 13 year old girl despite that she was 25, married, and a mom.

Personal Life: (1925-2003) Born in Barstow, California and grew up in Los Angeles. Father was a school teacher. Was given a screen test opposite Orson Welles while in high school but didn’t get the part. Made her first film at 18 in 1943. Married to Paul Brinkman for 57 years (though they were separated at the time of his death) and had 7 children. Retired in 1975. Died of a heart attack at 78.
Famous for: American actress whose career spanned for 38 years. Worked from bit parts to starring roles. Notable roles are Margy Frake from State Fair, Ruth Berent from Leave Her to Heaven, Marjorie ‘Margie’ MacDuff from Margie, Julia Rogers from Centennial Summer, Deborah Bishop from A Letter to Three Wives, Patricia ‘Pinky’ Johnson from Pinky, Ann Gilbreth from Cheaper by the Dozen, Deborah Higgins from People Will Talk, Deborah Young from O. Henry’s Full House, Ruth Stanton Bowman from Dangerous Crossing, Connie Jones/Mitzi Jones from Gentlemen Marry Brunettes, Dora Temple from The Fastest Gun Alive, Diane Blane from The Tattered Dress, Letty Page from The Joker Is Wild, Laura Riley from Guns in the Timberland, Tenet/Nefertiti from Nefertiti, Queen of the Nile, Peggy Shannon from Madison Avenue, and Claudia Procula.
Nominated for: Crain was nominated for Best Actress in 1949 for Pinky.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1945 for Leave Her to Heaven. As Gene Tierney’s adoptive sister, she manages to hide a large amount of angst underneath that veneer of smiles and wholesomeness.
Reasons: Crain was more or less burned by the competition. Also, her character was supposed to be black passing for white, which should’ve went to Lena Horne anyway. Not to mention, while she hoped her role in Pinky would give her more serious parts, 20th Century Fox had other ideas like casting her as a 13 year old despite being 25, married, and a mother. Being cast as cute girls would get her passed over for more serious roles she should’ve played.
Trivia: Also noted for her ice skating. Miss Pan Pacific at the Pan-Pacific Auditorium in Los Angeles while in high school. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, was nicknamed ‘Hollywood’s Number One party girl’, and she was quoted saying that she was invited to at least 200 parties a year. Was earning $3,500 a week in the 1950s as well as her own dress line during the 1970s.

200. Madeleine Carroll

Madeleine Carroll would make movie history with her appearance in The 39 Steps as Alfred Hitchcock’s first icy blonde that would appear in many of his later films. Yet, her service during WWII were just as remarkable as well.

Personal Life: (1906-1987) Born Edith Madeleine Carroll in West Bromwich, Staffordshire in England. Mother was a French immigrant while father was an Irish professor of languages. Attended and graduated from the University of Birmingham and taught an all girls’ boarding school. Made her first film in 1928. Married 4 times with second husband being Sterling Hayden. Had a daughter with fourth husband Andrew Heiskell. Became a US citizen in 1944. Moved to Paris in 1951 and would later move to Spain. Retired in 1955. Died in Marabella, Spain from pancreatic cancer at 81.
Famous for: British American actress who was popular in both the 1930s and 1940s. At the peak of her success she was the highest paid actress in the world, earning a then staggering $250,000 in 1938. Notable roles are Diana Cheswick from The Guns of Loos, Lucille de Choisigne from Madame Guillotine, Queen Caroline Matilde of Denmark from Loves of a Dictator, Pamela from The 39 Steps, Elsa Carrington from Secret Agent, Judy Perrie from The General Died at Dawn, Linda Stewart from Safari, Charlotte Dunterry from Virginia, Carol Delbridge from Bahama Passage, Karen Bentley from My Favorite Blonde, and Mrs. Erlynne from The Fan.
Nominated for: Carroll was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for her career and her distinction as the prototype for the icy Hitchcock blonde. Also, not receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her tireless efforts during and after WWII.
Reasons: Well, for one, there weren’t as many slots for Academy Award nominees as there are now in the 1930s (especially in the early years). Also, took an acting hiatus in WWII after her sister was killed in a German air raid during the Blitz and would be involved in the plight of European children some time afterwards.
Trivia: Was the first Hitchcock blonde. Was a Red Cross (and later US Army Air Corps) nurse during WWII after her sister was killed in the Blitz. Donated her chateau outside Paris to more than 150 orphans and arranged groups in California to knit for them. Awarded the Legion d’Honneur for her efforts by France as well as the American Medal of Freedom. Dwight D. Eisenhower said that of all the movie stars he met in Europe during the war, he was the most impressed with her and Herbert Marshall. Conducted a radio program fostering French-American friendship and helped in the rehabilitation of concentration camp victims after WWII. Formed a production company with her third husband which made several 2 reel documentaries with one strongly shown in Canada focusing on the devastation of children’s lives in WWII Europe which became a prime source of funds of for the manufacture of artificial limbs for wounded children. First British beauty to be offered a major American film contract. Fourth husband was publisher of Life Magazine.

Fay Wray was most famous for playing Ann Darrow in King Kong in which she is the love interest to one of the biggest leading men Hollywood which was really a stuffed toy used in trick photography while terrorizing New York City.

Seems like we’re getting close to the end here and one more to go after this. Of course, we all know that visual effects have always been a mainstay in Hollywood since King Kong came out in the 1930s. It was released by Universal, a studio which was also know for all their great horror and monster movies your parents probably seen when they were kids. I’m not sure how many of them were scared but the visual effects don’t really translate well for those who’ve been raised on Star Wars and CGI. In this penultimate installment, I give you 10 more legendary movie stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood or at least retired or dead. First, there is Hume Cronyn who’s better known as Jessica Tandy’s Canadian husband followed by William Demarest who appeared in 140 films. Second, is Henry Travers you most people remember as Clarence the angel from It’s a Wonderful Life followed by fellow Brit supporting player Leo Genn. After that is River Phoenix who’s best known as a promising young actor who succumbed to a drug induced death at 23. Then we have Billie Burke who’s better known as Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz as well a British swashbuckler Stewart Granger. Next, is versatile actress Ann Sheridan who was a pin-up in the 1940s in which she was known as “The Oomph Girl” as well as 1960s sex symbol Carroll Baker. And finally, we have pioneering scream queen Fay Wray who most of us remember from King Kong. So without further adieu, here are 10 more Oscar losers and also-rans in this pentultimate installment of my stars series.

181. Hume Cronyn

Hume Cronyn is best known for his long career and his professional and 50 year marriage to Jessica Tandy with whom they appeared in various plays, movies, and TV shows until her death in 1994.

Personal Life: (1911-2003) Born in London, Ontario in Canada. Father was a businessman and Member of Parliament. Mother was heiress of the Labatt Brewing Company. Studied pre-law and drama at Ridley College and McGill University. Studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts under Max Reinhardt. Made his Broadway debut in 1934. Made his first film in 1943. Married 3 times with his second wife of 52 years being Jessica Tandy to whom he had 2 kids. Became a US citizen late in life. Died of prostate cancer in Connecticut at 91.
Famous for: Canadian American actor best known for his 79 year career and often appearing professionally with his wife Jessica Tandy in 13 films. Notable roles are Herbie Hawkins from Shadow of a Doubt, Duval from The Cross of Lorraine, Stanley ‘Sparks’ Garett from Lifeboat, Paul Roeder from The Seventh Cross, Capt. Munsey from Brute Force, Louis Howe from Sunrise at Campobello, Sosigenes from Cleopatra, Polonius from Richard Burton’s Hamlet, Mr. Fields from The World According to Garp, Joe Finley from Cocoon, Justice Rosenberg from The Pelican Brief, and Marvin from Marvin’s Room.
Nominated for: Cronyn was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1945 for The Seventh Cross.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1947 for Brute Force. As a brutal prison guard, he’s almost as cruel as the ones from The Shawshank Redemption.
Reasons: During his nomination, he was just burned by the competition. Yet, I didn’t think Barry Fitzgerald should’ve won that year.
Trivia: Great-grandfather was an archbishop and founder of Huron College that became the University of Western Ontario. Great-uncle was mayor of London, Ontario but fled to Vermont after being indicted for fraud and also built a mansion called Oakwood. Dad has an observatory dedicated to him. Won 2 Tony Awards.

182. William Demarest

Though some may know him for playing Uncle Charlie in My Three Sons, William Demarest had a prolific acting career with 140 films. And out of his movie career, he’s particularly known for his movies with Preston Sturges.

Personal Life: (1892-1983) Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Yet, family moved to New Bridge, New Jersey when he was a baby. Was a US Army veteran from WWI and a former professional boxer. Started out on vaudeville often performing with his first wife before moving to Broadway. Married twice with his second marriage to Lucy Thayer that lasted for 44 years. Retired in 1978. Died of prostate cancer and pneumonia at 91.
Famous for: American character actor known for appearing in over 140 films between the 1920s and 1970s. Best known for his collaborations with Preston Sturges. One of the most recognizable voices in movie history. Notable roles are Buster Billings from The Jazz Singer, Wallace Whistling from Easy Living, Henry Kipper from Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, Bill Griffith from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Victor Walsh from The Farmer’s Daughter,
Skeeters – The Politician from The Great McGinty, Muggsy from The Lady Eve, Mr. Jones from Sullivan’s Travels, First Member Ale and Quail Club from The Palm Beach Story, Constable Edmund Kockenlocker from The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek, Sgt. Heppelfinger from Hail the Conquering Hero, Steve Martin from The Jolson Story, Cpl. Kiper from What Price Glory, Father Belacchi from The Mountain, and Mr. Martin from Viva Las Vegas.
Nominated for: Demarest was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1947 for The Jolson Story.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1941 for The Lady Eve as Henry Fonda’s smart ass valet who basically steals every scene he’s in.
Reasons: I think his collaborations with Preston Sturges might’ve made him Oscar ineligible, especially the Miracle on Morgan’s Creek. Also, was better known for his comic performances.
Trivia: Was Uncle Charlie on My Three Sons. Favorite recreations were hunting, fishing, golf, and playing the cello.

183. Henry Travers

Since his career began in the 1890s, it should be no surprise to us that Henry Travers was already an older man when he began acting in the 1930s. Specialized in bumbling but friendly and loveable old men, most famously Clarence from It’s a Wonderful Life.

Personal Life: (1874-1965) Born Travers John Heagerty in Prudhoe, Northumberland in England. Father was a doctor. Trained as an architect before taking to the stage as Henry Travers. Started acting in 1894 and made his first film in 1933. Immigrated to the US in 1917 and appeared on Broadway. Married twice. Retired in 1949. Died of arteriosclerosis at 91.
Famous for: British actor best known for his character roles in movies between the 1930s and 1940s. Usually played shy and bumbling but loveable older men and authority figures like doctors, judges, and dads in supporting roles. Notable roles are Dr. Cranley from The Invisible Man, Baron Cesarea from Death Takes a Holiday, Dr. Parsons from Dark Victory, John Kingsley from Stanley and Livingston, Pa from High Sierra, Prof. Jerome from Ball of Fire, Mr. Ballard from Mrs. Miniver, Eugene Curie from Madame Curie, Horace P. Bogardus from The Bells of St. Mary’s, Mr. Boyles from The Yearling, Joseph Newton from Shadow of a Doubt, and Clarence Odbody from It’s a Wonderful Life.
Nominated for: Travers was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1943 for Mrs. Miniver.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1946 for It’s a Wonderful Life.
Reasons: Travers was already typecast by this point in his career as a kindly old man, especially after playing Clarence from It’s a Wonderful Life.
Trivia: Was of Irish extraction.

184. Leo Genn

While watching the 1956 Moby Dick you have to wonder whether Leo Genn is conflicted about wanting to throw Captain Ahab to the sharks as Starbuck. Then again, his Quaker sense of honor wouldn’t allow him.

Personal Life: (1905-1978) Born in London. Father was a jewelry salesman. Studied law at Cambridge University. Made his theater debut in 1930 and member of the Old Vic Company. Made his first film in 1935. Served in the Royal Artillery during WWII and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Married to Marguerite van Praag for 45 years. Died of a heart attack at 72.
Famous for: British actor whose career spanned between the 1930s and 1970s. Notable roles are The Constable of France from Henry V, Bel Affris from Caesar and Cleopatra, Adam Brant from Mourning Becomes Electra, Dr. Mark Kik from The Snake Pit, Petronius from The Snake Pit, William Bradford from Plymouth Adventure, Sir Clifford Chatterley from Lady Chatterly’s Lover, Starbuck from Moby Dick, Maj. Picquart from I Accuse!, Gen. Jung-Lu from 55 Days at Peking, and Dr. Lytell from Cover Up.
Nominated for: Genn was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1952 for Quo Vadis.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1956 for Moby Dick. Sure he may not have a showy role but man, he just gives a great performance of a guy just wanting to do his job yet very conflicted about feeding Gregory Peck’s Captain Ahab to the sharks. Still, it’s kind of sad that his character’s name is now the moniker for a major coffee chain based in Seattle.
Reasons: Genn was nominated for an Oscar in a very bad year and was burned by the competition. Not to mention, he starred in a lot of forgettable movies soon afterward.
Trivia: Was a qualified lawyer. Was part of the British unit that investigated Bergen Belsen concentration camp during WWII. Awarded the Croix de Guerre. Wife was an Ealing Studios casting director. Was given official leave to appear in Sir Laurence Olivier’s Henry V. Served as a governor and trustee for 2 theaters. Appointed Distinguished Visiting Professor of Theater Arts at Penn State in 1968 and Visiting Professor of Drama at the University of Utah in 1969.

185. River Phoenix

I am not familiar with River Phoenix’s work in film. Yet, his story as a child raised by hippies who later became a promising young actor whose life was cut short by drugs at 23, his story is now inspiring contemporary legend.

Personal Life: (1970-1993) Born River Bottom in Madras, Oregon. Parents were hippies who joined a Christian cult at one time called Children of God as missionaries but later became an exteriors architect and secretary to an NBC broadcaster. Spent part of his childhood in the Caribbean and Venezuela where his family became vegans. Family name changed to Phoenix when they moved to Florida. Never attended formal school. Collapsed and died of drug-induced heart failure on the sidewalk outside the West Hollywood nightclub The Viper Room, at 23.
Famous for: American actor, musician and activist whose rise to fame lent to the status of “teen sensation.” Started acting in commercials from the age of 10. Notable roles are Wolfgang Müller from Explorers, Chris Chambers from Stand By Me, Charlie Fox from The Mosquito Coast, Jeff Grant from Little Nikita, Danny Pope / Michael Manfield from Running on Empty, Devo Nod from I Love You to Death, Eddie Birdlace from Dogfight, Mike Waters from My Own Private Idaho, and James Wright from The Thing Called Love.
Nominated for: Phoenix was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1988 for Running on Empty.
Most Crushing Loss: I’m not really sure because I’m not very familiar with his performances. Yet his status as a promising teen idol and his subsequent premature death is basically what made him so famous in pop culture today. Of course, many would say losing the Oscar to Kevin Kline in the 1988 Best Supporting Actor race, but I’m not sure if I’d go that far since A Fish Called Wanda actually is very funny and that the Academy usually ignores great comic performances.
Reasons: Well, most likely burned by the competition by much more experienced actors. Not to mention, at this point most people thought he’d probably get his chance someday but died young.
Trivia: Brother of Joaquin, Rain, Liberty, and Summer Phoenix. Was an environmental and animal rights activist as well as spokesman for PETA.

186. Stewart Granger

Born James Stewart but changed it for obvious reasons, Stewart Granger specialized in heroic and romantic leads during the 1940s and 1950s. Of course, some of his best lines consist of: “Mr. President, the deputy from Soissons will be absent from this assembly… permanently. “

Personal Life: (1913-1993) Born James Stewart in London. Dad was a major. Attended the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. Obviously advised to change his name since the name “James Stewart” was already taken in the movie business. Served in the Gordon Highlanders and Black Watch, rising to the rank of Second Lieutenant until he was invalidated out of the British Army for stomach ulcers. Made his first film in 1933. Married 3 times with his second wife being Jean Simmons and had 4 children. Became a US citizen in 1956. Retired to southern Spain in the 1970s but returned to acting in 1981 mostly appearing on television. Died of prostate and bone cancer at 80.
Famous for: British actor mainly associated with heroic and romantic leading roles. Popular leading man from the 1940s to 1960s. Notable roles are Peter Rokeby from The Man in Grey, Harry Somerford from Man of Evil, Apollodorus from Caesar and Cleopatra, Richard Darrell from Caravan, Nicolo Paganini from The Magic Bow, Adam Black from Adam and Evalyn, Allan Quartermain from King Solomon’s Mines, Andre Moreau from Scaramouche,
Rudolf Rassendyll / King Rudolf V from The Prisoner of Zenda, Commander Claudius from Salome, Thomas Seymour from Young Bess, Beau Brummell, Stephen Lowry from Footsteps in the Fog, George Pratt from North to Alaska, Maj. Richard Mace from The Secret Invasion,
Old Surehand from The Oil Prince, Jimmy Merrill from Requiem for a Secret Agent, and Matherson / Sir Edward Matherson from The Wild Geese.
Nominated for: Granger was never nominated for an Oscar (yet he was for a bunch of Bambis from Germany).
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for his lifetime achievements.
Reasons: Well, despite being a very popular star at the box office with his British performances attracting Hollywood attention, Granger wasn’t a darling to American and British critics. However, this was a very different story in Continental Europe, particularly in Germany.
Trivia: Second great grandfather was an opera singer. Was friends with Michael Wilding who’s best known as Elizabeth Taylor’s second husband and father of her 2 sons. Married Jean Simmons in a bizarre wedding ceremony in Tucson, organized by Howard Hughes. Was a successful cattle rancher but gave it up during his divorce from Jean Simmons. Did his own stunt work. Was a notable fencer.

187. Carroll Baker

Carroll Baker’s breakthrough Oscar-nominated performance in Baby Doll caused a lot of controversy during the 1950s and she would go on to enjoy fame as a serious actress and a sex symbol. Yet, when Hollywood tired of her, she performed in the Italian slasher film market.

Personal Life: (1931-present) Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Father was a traveling salesman. Parents divorced at 8 and she grew up in Turtle Creek and Greensburg before attending St. Pete Junior College in St. Petersburg, Florida. Worked as a magician’s assistant and joined a dance company. Later moved to New York City where she studied under Lee Strasberg and was part of the Actors Studio. Was discovered by Elia Kazan while on Broadway and in TV commercials. Made her first film in 1953. Married 3 times and had 2 children to second husband Jack Garfein. Married to third husband Donald Barton for 29 years.
Famous for: American actress who has enjoyed popularity as a serious dramatic actress and as a sex symbol. Was cast in a wide range of roles during the 1960s and was especially memorable playing brash and flamboyant women due to her beautiful features, striking blonde hair, and distinctive drawl. Career spanned 50 years and made 80 films. Notable roles are Luz Benedict II from Giant, Baby Doll Meighan from Baby Doll, Patricia Terrill from The Big Country, Mary Ann Robinson from Something Wild, Rina Marlowe Cord from The Carpetbaggers, Deborah Wright from Cheyenne Autumn, Sylvia: West (Karoki, Kay, Carlyle) from Sylvia, Veronica from The Greatest Story Ever Told, Julie Anderson from Mister Moses, Jean Harlow from Harlow, Kathryn West from Paranoia, Baba Yaga, Hazel Aiken from Andy Warhol’s Bad, Helen Curtis from The Watcher in the Woods, Nelly Hoogstraten from Star 80, Annie Phelan from Ironweed, Eleanor Crisp from Kindergarten Cop, Madame from Jackpot, and Ilsa from The Game.
Nominated for: Baker was nominated for Best Actress in 1956 for Baby Doll.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Ingrid Bergman in 1956. Seriously, Baker should’ve at least lost to Deborah Kerr. Also, her loss may have been a bit unfair and due to the Moral Police if you get my drift.
Reasons: Well, she was a seen as a sex symbol and the fact that her movie Baby Doll was condemned by the Roman Catholic National Legion of Decency. Also was said to be blackballed later in her career for turning down parts and being viciously attacked by the press as well as protracted legal battles with Paramount. Not to mention, her European career consisted of hard-edged giallo thrillers, exploitation, and horror films which included sensual nude scenes.
Trivia: Converted to Judaism for her second husband who was a Holocaust survivor. Was friends with Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Was fluent in Italian. Wrote 4 books. Son is composer and faculty member at the Steinhardt School of Music at New York University.

188. Fay Wray

Though best known for playing a blonde scream queen taken to the Empire State Building in King Kong, Fay Wray was actually a brunette who wore a wig during the filming. Also was a Canadian and Mormon.

Personal Life: (1907-2004) Born in Cardston, Alberta in Canada to Mormon parents. Family moved to Salt Lake City shortly after she was born and later to Lark and eventually Los Angeles. Made her first film in 1926 at 16 and soon secured a contract with Paramount Pictures. Married 3 times with second husband being screenwriter Robert Riskin and had 3 children. Married to third husband neurosurgeon Dr. Sanford Rothenberg for 20 years. Became a US citizen in 1933. Retired in 1980. Died of natural causes at her Manhattan apartment at 96.
Famous for: Canadian-American actress most noted for playing the female lead in King Kong. Career spanned 57 years and attained fame as an in horror movie roles. One of the first, “scream queens.” Notable roles are Mitzi / Mitzerl Schrammell from The Wedding March, Ethne Eustace from The Four Feathers, Joan Randall from The Border Legion, Lee Carleton from Three Rogues, Helen Pierce from Dirigible, Eve from The Most Dangerous Game, Ann Darrow from King Kong, Marcia Collins from The Finger Points, Charlotte Duncan from Mystery of the Wax Museum, Diana from Below the Sea, Marie Franck from Madame Spy, Teresa from Viva Villa!, Gail Hamilton from Black Moon, Angela from The Affairs of Cellini, Sue McKinnon from Queen Bee, and Beth Daley from Summer Love.
Nominated for: Wray was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1933 for King Kong. Then again, this isn’t surprising.
Reasons: Wray was best known as a scream queen in horror movies and is best known for playing love interest to a giant mutant gorilla with a white woman fixation. Yeah, it’s easy to see why she didn’t get one.
Trivia: Despite her role in King Kong, she was actually a brunette and wore wig during the filming. Was cast in a sitcom during the 1950s. Two days after her death the lights of the Empire State Building dimmed for 15 minutes in her memory. Has a park named after her at her birthplace.

189. Ann Sheridan

Though known as “The Oomph Girl” a name she hated, Ann Sheridan would achieve fame as a a versatile actress with a career that spanned 33 years.

Personal Life: (1915-1967) Born Clara Lou Sheridan in Denton, Texas. Was a student at the University of Texas when her sister sent a photo of her to Paramount. This led to entering a beauty contest she won with her prize having a bit part in a Paramount film. She’d play bits for the next 2 years before signing with Warner Bros. and changing her stage name Ann Sheridan. Married 3 times with her one year second marriage being to George Brent. Died of esophageal and liver cancer at 51.
Famous for: American actress whose career spanned for 33 years and known for her versatility. Notable roles are Nurse from The Glass Key, Judy Nolan from The Great O’Malley, May from San Quentin, Flo Allen from Alcatraz Island, Ruby Gilman from Dodge City, Cassie Hartley from They Drive by Night, Lorraine Sheldon from The Man Who Came to Dinner, Randy Monaghan from Kings Row, Connie Fuller from George Washington Slept Here,
Karen Stensgard from Edge of Darkness, Nora Prentiss, Chris Hunter from The Unfaithful, Pretty woman walking past barbershop from The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Laury Ferguson from The Angels with Dirty Faces, Goldie from They Made Me a Criminal, Lt. Catherine Gates from I Was a Male War Bride, Nora Bayes from Shine on Harvest Moon, and Amanda from The Opposite Sex.
Nominated for: Sheridan was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1942 for The Man Who Came to Dinner, in which she acts like a 1940s version of Jenna Maroney.
Reasons: Despite her undeniable talent and versatility, she was seen as a sex symbol due to her pin-up days in the 1940s. Also, her career was in decline in the 1950s. Still, she had to fight to be taken seriously by Hollywood.
Trivia: Was called, “The Oomph Girl,” a nickname she loathed during her 1940s pin-up days. Said to receive 250 marriage proposals in a single week. Was a heroine of a 1943 novel that was probably aimed at teenage girls.

190. Billie Burke

Though there were actually 2 good witches in the L. Frank Baum source material, The Wizard of Oz writers decided to combine the two as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North and played by Billie Burke. Yet, when you watch the movie, this merge tends to have unfortunate implications regarding Glinda.

Personal Life: (1884-1970) Born Mary William Ethelbert Appleton Burke in Washington D. C. Father was a singer and clown who worked for Barnum & Bailey Circus. Grew up in London and made her stage debut in 1903 but eventually returned to the US to conquer Broadway. Made her first film in 1915. Married to Florenz Ziegfeld and had a daughter Patricia. Retired in 1960 due to failing memory and trouble remembering her lines. Died of natural causes at 85.
Famous for: American actress acclaimed and famous on Broadway and early silent film with a career spanning 57 years from the early 1900s to the 1960s. Best known as Glinda from The Wizard of Oz. Voice was unique in intonation, which she accentuated in her later character roles as dim-witted, spoiled society types. Notable roles are Peggy Cameron from Peggy, Margaret from A Bill of Divorcement, Millicent Jordan from Dinner at Eight, Mrs. Topper from Topper and other films, Mrs. Kilbourne from Merrily We Live, Marmy Carleton from The Young in Heart, Clara from Parnell, Glinda from The Wizard of Oz, Mrs. Ernest Stanley from The Man Who Came to Dinner, Mrs. Rowland from Girl Crazy, Mrs. Livingston Belney from The Barkleys of Broadway, and Doris Dunstan from Father of the Bride and Father’s Little Dividend.
Nominated for: Burke was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1938 for Merrily We Live.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1939 for The Wizard of Oz.
Reasons: She was just burned by the competition when she was nominated. Still, she was also typecast as dim-witted spoiled society types in her later years. Not to mention, she was always seen as Glinda from The Wizard of Oz.
Trivia: Wrote 2 autobiographies. Had her own show on radio and TV.

Most Americans know Conrad Veidt as the Nazi officer Major Strasser from Casablanca. Yet, not many know that he fled Nazi Germany for Great Britain during the rise of Adolf Hitler because he had a Jewish wife.

Now while I did put some stars from the silent era, I only focused on ones who appeared on sound pictures. Yet the reason for this is that there were no Oscars awarded during the Silent Era and that many of the silent stars didn’t transition to sound either. And there were even some like Rudolph Valentino who were dead by the time The Jazz Singer came out in the late 1920s. Sure silent movies may have dialogue cards instead of subtitles yet for awhile, it was quite an art form in the 1920s with films ranging from silent epics, German expressionist pieces, and comedies by Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton, and Charlie Chaplin. And then there’s D. W. Griffith’s Birth of a Nation, which should only be seen for its artistic merits and only for required viewing, because it’s so racist that it makes Gone With the Wind look like Glory in comparison. In this selection, I bring you 10 more actors and actresses who have never received a competitive Academy Award. First, we have Frank Morgan who’s best known as the not so wonderful Wizard of Oz. Second, is German actor Conrad Veidt whose career spanned from playing German horror villains to Nazis followed by African American entertainment legend and blacklisted civil rights activist Paul Robeson. Third, comes Mae West who was the master of the double entendre and whose scandal ridden public life put Madonna to shame. Then we have Jill Clayburgh whose career spanned 40 years and is best remembered by my generation for playing Kristen Wiig’s mom on Bridesmaids. After that is Jack Hawkins who appeared in films like Ben Hur and The Bridge on the River Kwai yet his career and life was hurt by smoking followed by Indian actor Sabu best known for playing Mowgli yet suffered a case from typecasting after WWII. Then there’s Irish acting legend David Kelly who was Charlie’s grandpa as well as the most recognizable voices from stage and screen as well as Scottish actor Ian Bannen who was nominated for an Oscar before Sean Connery. And last but not least, is June Allyson whose career in Hollywood was of the girl next door but in later years was the spokeswoman for Depends. So for your reading pleasure, here are 10 more Oscar less actors and actresses I’ve listed in this installment.

171. Frank Morgan

While Frank Morgan is best known as the Wizard of Oz from the eponymous 1939 film, it was just one of the 5 roles he played in the movie. He also portrayed Professor Marvel, a Doorman, Cabbie, and Guard.

Personal Life: (1890-1949) Born Francis Phillip Wuppermann in New York City. Father was a Venezuelan born German immigrant of Spanish and German descent. Youngest of 11 children. Family earned its wealth through distributing Angostura bitters. Attended Cornell University before following his brother to the Broadway stage who was Ralph Morgan. Made his first film in 1916. Married to Alma Muller for 35 years and had a son. Was widely known to have a drinking problem and would carry briefcase to work fully equipped with a small mini bar. Died of a heart attack at 59.
Famous for: American character actor best known for playing the Wizard of Oz. Notable roles are Mayor John Hastings from Hallelujah I’m a Bum, Alessandro – Duke of Florence from The Affairs of Cellini, Mellersh Wilkins from Enchanted April, Jesse Kiffmeyer from Saratoga, Professor Marvel / The Wizard of Oz / The Gatekeeper / The Carriage Driver / The Guard from The Wizard of Oz, Professor Roth from The Mortal Storm, The Pirate from Tortilla Flat, Willie Grogan from The Human Comedy, Hugo Matuschek from The Shop Around the Corner, King Louis XIII from The Three Musketeers, Fire Chief Duggan from Key to the City.
Nominated for: Morgan was nominated twice once for Best Actor and once for Best Supporting Actor in 1935 for The Affairs of Cellini and in 1943 for Tortilla Flat.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Van Heflin in the 1943 Best Supporting Actor race. Seriously, his role as the Mexican guy with the dogs is the only reason why that movie is still watchable. Not to mention, he had a Hispanic grandmother. Still, he should’ve at least lost to Walter Huston or Henry Travers since people still watch Yankee Doodle Dandy and Mrs. Miniver.
Reasons: He was more likely burned by the competition than anything. Also, possibly being Latino on his paternal grandmother’s side (the first Hispanic to win an acting Oscar was Anthony Quinn in 1952 for Viva Zapata!).
Trivia: Starred in a play written by his brother who died in 1919 during his duty in the Army of Occupation.

172. Conrad Veidt

Before fleeing with his Jewish wife to the UK, Conrad Veidt was already a prolific actor in the German film industry as well as international recognition. This goes especially true for his silent film roles. His character from The Man Who Laughs was an inspiration for the Joker.

Personal Life: (1893-1943) Born Hans Walter Conrad Veidt in Berlin. Conscripted and rose to a non-commissioned officer in WWI on the Eastern Front in 1915. But was out a year later due to jaundice which didn’t improve. Yet, this led the army to let him join the theater and entertain the troops. Was discharged in 1917 after being deemed unfit for service. Made his first movie in 1917. Married 3 times and had a daughter with second wife Felicitas Radke. Left Germany for Britain in 1933 during the rise of Nazism due to his third wife being Jewish. Became a British citizen in 1938 but moved to the US in 1941. Died of a massive heart attack while playing golf in Los Angeles at 50.
Famous for: German-British actor who started in German Expressionist silent films and was once the best paid stars at Ufa in the early 1930s. Appeared in well over 100 films and usually played villains, especially in his later career. Notable roles are Caesare from The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Orlac from The Hands of Orlac, Gwynplaine / Lord Clancharlie from The Man Who Laughs, Ivan the Terrible from Waxworks, Jaffar from The Thief of Bagdad, Otto Becker / Baron Hugo Von Detner from Nazi Agent, Major Heinrich Strasser from Casablanca, and Hassert Seidel from Above Suspicion.
Nominated for: Veidt was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1942 for Casablanca.
Reasons: Let’s face it. Veidt was a German actor whose most memorable work up to Casablanca was in German Expressionist silent films. And most of these were horror movies.
Trivia: Vehemently opposed the Nazi regime and fled Germany to Britain because his third wife was Jewish. Donated much of his fortune to assist the British war effort during WWII as well as his life savings before he left for the US. Loved animals, fast cars, gardening, and pastries. Face from The Man Who Laughs was an inspiration for the Joker from Batman and his character on The Thief of Baghdad for Jafar in Disney’s Aladdin. Starred in the first pro-gay rights film.

173. Mae West

Mae West might’ve been in her 40s when she appeared in her first film but her sexually suggestive language would get her in a lot of trouble with the moral police of the 1930s. One of her famous quotes is: “When I’m good, I’m very good. When I’m bad, I’m better.”

Personal Life: (1893-1980) Born Mary Jane West in Brooklyn, New York City. Father was a prizefighter known as “Battlin’ Jack West” who later worked as a “special policeman”, and later had his own private investigations agency. Mother was a corset and fashion model who was supportive of her career unlike some of her family members for obvious reasons. Got her start in amateur shows at 7 and won prizes in local talent contests. Began performing professionally for the Hal Clarendon Stock Company in 1907 at 14. Debuted on Broadway in 1911. Made her first film in 1932. Married to Frank Szatkus for 31 years but it’s doubtful whether they even living together as husband and wife before their divorce (yet she had many boyfriends). Died from a couple strokes and a bout of pneumonia at 87.
Famous for: American actress, singer, playwright, and screenwriter whose entertainment career spanned 7 decades. Master of bawdy double entendres. Notable roles are Maudie Triplett from Night After Night, Lady Lou from She Done Him Wrong, Tira from I’m No Angel, Ruby Carter from Belle of the Nineties, Peaches O’Day from Every Day’s a Holiday, Flower Belle Lee from My Little Chickadee, and Leticia Van Allen from Myra Beckinridge.
Nominated for: West was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not earning an honorary Oscar for her career and contributions to movies and comedy in general.
Reasons: For one, West was a comedy star as well as a sex symbol. Second, she encountered a lot of problems in her day like censorship and her glory days in Hollywood were over by then (and she was also banned from NBC radio for her Adam and Eve sketch with Don Ameche, which was deemed “vulgar and indecent” by the FCC. Oh, and she served 8 days in prison for “corrupting the morals of youth” over her play Sex). Not to mention, her personal life was basically tabloid fodder throughout her life, even as a senior citizen. In short, she was basically a combination of Bette Midler and Madonna of her day.
Trivia: Early supporter of gay rights and feminism (though never said she was a feminist). Recorded 3 rock albums in the late 1960s. Wrote plays under the pen name Jane Mast. Performed “Baby It’s Cold Outside” with Rock Hudson at the 1958 Academy Awards telecast. When approached for permission to allow her likeness on the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover, she initially refused, asking “What would I be doing in a Lonely Heart’s Club”. The Beatles wrote her a personal letter declaring themselves great admirers of the star and persuaded her to change her mind. Also has her name linked to vocabulary: WWII Allied aircrews called their yellow inflatable, vest-like life jackets “Mae Wests” partly from rhyming slang for “breasts” and “life vest” and partly because of the resemblance to her torso. A “Mae West” is also a type of round parachute malfunction (partial inversion) which contorts the shape of the canopy into the appearance of an extraordinarily large brassiere. Also, graph depicting the probability of uranium or other fissionable materials producing specific fission products has two peaks with a “valley” in the middle, and is known as the Mae West curve.

174. Jack Hawkins

Though his career spanned between the 1930s to 1970s, Jack Hawkins was a 3-pack-a-day smoker who would later develop voice problems (and possibly cancer) in his later years and would soon have his larynx removed. Yet, he continued to smoke despite losing his voice until his death.

Personal Life: (1910-1973) Born in London. Father was a builder. Made his stage debut at 12 and Broadway debut at 18. Made first film in 1930. Served in WWII and rose to the rank of colonel in the British Army with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Married twice with first wife being Jessica Tandy which produced one child. Married to second wife Doreen Lawrence for 26 years and had 3 children with her. Smoked 3 packs a day and began experiencing voice problems in the late 1950s. Underwent cobalt treatment in 1959 for what might have been cancer of the larynx and used a mechanical one to aid his speech. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 1965 and his larynx was removed the following year that his films after that were dubbed. Died of cancer during an operation to insert an artificial voice box at 62.
Famous for: British actor whose career spanned from the 1930s to 1970s. Usually played sympathetic authority figures. Notable roles are Detective Ames from The Fallen Idol, Lord George Murray from Bonnie Prince Charlie, Tristram Griffin from The Black Rose, the Interrogator from The Prisoner, Major Warden from The Bridge on the River Kwai, Quintus Arrius from Ben-Hur, Hyde from The League of Gentlemen, General Cornwallis from Lafayette, General Allenby from Lawrence of Arabia, Marlow from Lord Jim, Otto Witt from Zulu, General Sir Thomas Picton from Waterloo, Pharaoh Khufu from Land of the Pharaohs, and Mr. Welldon from Young Winston.
Nominated for: Hawkins was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1957 for The Bridge on the River Kwai. Sending William Holden back just makes you hate him.
Reasons: Well, Hawkins is far more famous in Britain as well as made most of his films there. Also, he was starting to lose his voice by The Bridge on the River Kwai due to smoking too many cigarettes (and never quitting).
Trivia: Despite his conservative screen image, was a political liberal. Was friends with Sir Alec Guinness. Appeared in 3 Best Picture winners.

175. Jill Clayburgh

Jill Clayburgh was nominated for Best Actress in 2 films such as An Unmarried Woman seen here. Yet, most people my age would remember her as the mom from Bridesmaids the last movie she made before succumbing to chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which she had for over 20 years.

Personal Life: (1944-2010) Born in New York City. Mother was an actress and theatrical production secretary for producer David Merrick. Father was a manufacturing executive. Attended Sarah Lawrence College and joined the Charles Street Repertory Theater in Boston. Made her Broadway debut in 1968 and her first film in 1969 (or 1963). Married to writer David Rabe for 31 years and had 2 children. Had chronic lymphocytic leukemia for more than 20 years which killed her in Salisbury, Connecticut at 66.
Famous for: American actress whose career spanned over 40 years. Notable roles are Josephine from The Wedding Party, Naomi from Portnoy’s Complaint, Jackie from The Thief Who Came to Dinner, Angela Black from The Terminal Man, Carole Lombard from Gable and Lombard, Hilly Burns from Silver Streak, Erica from An Unmarried Woman, Caterina Silveri from La Luna, Marilyn Holmberg from Starting Over, Ruth Loomis from First Monday in October, Nan Whitman from Fools Rush In, Agnes Finch from Running with Scissors, Mrs. Randall from Love & Other Drugs, and Judy Walker from Bridesmaids.
Nominated for: Clayburgh was nominated twice for Best Actress in 1978 for An Unmarried Woman and 1979 for Starting Over.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Jane Fonda in 1978. Sure Fonda’s a decent actress but Coming Home seems like obvious Oscar bait, you know love triangle between Vietnam vets, one of whom is paralyzed. She should’ve at least lost to Geraldine Page.
Reasons: For one, she was burned by the competition. Second, she didn’t have the name recognition her fellow nominees had.
Trivia: Romantically linked to Al Pacino. Grandmother was an opera singer. Won the Best Actress Award at the 1978 Cannes Film Festival. Starred in Dirty Sexy Money for 2 years.

176. Ian Bannen

Though I know Ian Bannen from his later roles such as in Waking Ned Devine and Hope and Glory, he had a long career as a supporting player and occasional leading man.

Personal Life: (1928-1999) Born in Airdrie, Lanarkshire in Scotland. Father was a lawyer. Served in the British Army. Made acting debut in 1947. Made his first film in 1951. Married to Marilyn Salisbury for 23 years. Died in a car accident at Loch Ness at 71 (which his wife was responsible for).
Famous for: Scottish character actor and occasional leading man. Notable roles are Gabelle from A Tale of Two Cities, Crow from The Flight of the Phoenix, Godliman from Eye of the Needle, Senior Police Officer from Gandhi, Riley Wyndham from The Prodigal, Grandfather George from Hope and Glory, Matt Mason from Crossing the Line, Robert Bruce Sr. from Braveheart, and Jackie O’Shea from Waking Ned Devine.
Nominated for: Bannen was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1966 for The Flight of the Phoenix.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1987 for Hope and Glory.
Reasons: Bannen was primarily a British actor who primarily appeared in British films whom most Americans are unfamiliar with.
Trivia: Appeared in 2 Best Picture winners. First Scottish actor nominated for an Oscar.

177. June Allyson

June Allyson was the kind actress who entertained a generation with her “girl next door” image from the 1930s to the 1950s after spending a rough childhood in the Bronx. Yet, she would spend her later years in commercials trying to get old people to buy adult diapers.

Personal Life: (1917-2006) Born Eleanor Geisman in The Bronx, New York City. Father was an alcoholic janitor who abandoned the family when she was only 6 months old. Mother was a telephone operator and restaurant cashier. Grew up in near poverty, raised by her maternal grandparents and other relatives. At 8, she was involved in an accident when a tree branch fell on her while riding her tricycle, injuring her back and skull but killing her pet terrier. Was confined to a heavy steel brace as well as wheelchairs, braces, and crutches. Yet, she regained her health and enrolled in dancing school and competitions under “Elaine Peters” despite being told by doctors that she’d never walk again. After her stepfather’s death, she dropped out of high school at 16 even though she initially wanted to be a doctor and thought acting would pay the bills for medical school. Worked a stint as a tap dancer at a Montreal nightclub and was an actress in short subject films for Educational Pictures. Was even a before girl in a swimsuit magazine ad as well as did Vitaphone musical shorts in Brooklyn and worked for the Copacobana. Debuted on Broadway in 1943 and in Hollywood in 1943. Married 4 times (twice to the same man) with her first husband being Dick Powell with whom she had 2 children. Married to David Ashrow for 30 years. Struggled with alcoholism in the 1970s. Had hip replacement surgery in 2003. Died in Ojai of pulmonary respiratory failure and acute bronchitis at 88.
Famous for: American actress, singer, and dancer whose “girl next door” image made her a star in films during the 1940s and 1950s. Career spanned 75 years. Notable roles are Ethel from Best Foot Forward, Patsy Deyo from Two Girls and a Sailor, Leslie Odell from Her Highness and the Bellboy, Connie Lane from Good News, Constance Bonacieux from The Three Musketeers, Martha Terryton from The Bride Goes Wild, Josephine “Jo” March from Little Women, Cynthia Potter from Too Young to Kiss, Dr. Emily Barringer from The Girl in White, Helen Burger Miller from The Glenn Miller Story, Mary Blemond Walling from Executive Suite, Sally Holland from Strategic Air Command, Pearl “Butch” Brown from The McConnell Story, Kay Hillard from The Opposite Sex, and Helen Banning from Interlude.
Nominated for: Allyson was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for her career or at least the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her work in promoting awareness for championing the importance of research in urological and gynecological diseases in seniors.
Reasons: For one, she was typecast as the wholesome girl next door and was mainly cast in comedies and musicals (or anything appealing to people under 30). Second, Louis B. Mayer tried to ship her with Van Johnson but ended up marrying Dick Powell to his consternation (but at least he was happy she wanted him to give her away). Third, after Powell’s death she was involved in a bitter custody battle with her mother because she named her boyfriend at the time as her children’s legal guardian.
Trivia: Established the June Allyson Foundation for Public Awareness and Medical Research and worked to raise money for research for urological and gynecological diseases affecting senior citizens. Was a spokeswoman for Depends. Never mastered reading music. Hosted and starred in her own TV anthology series. Romantically linked to Peter Lawford and John F. Kennedy. Friends with Jimmy Stewart, Judy Garland, and the Reagans. Was appointed her to the Federal Council on Aging by Ronald Reagan during the 1980s.

178. Sabu Dastagir

Discovered by documentary pioneer Robert Flaherty, Sabu Dastagir was one of the first Indian actors to achieve success in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. Also was a decorated war hero but that didn’t help him get parts after WWII.

Personal Life: (1924-1963) Born in Karapur, Mysore in British India. Father was an elephant driver. Was discovered by documentarian Robert Flaherty who gave him his first acting gig. Became a US citizen in 1944. Joined the US Army Air Forces, serving as a tail gunner and ball turret gunner on B-24 Liberators as well as flew on several missions in the Pacific. Married to Marilyn Cooper for 15 years and had 2 children. Died of a heart attack at 39.
Famous for: British Indian-American actor who was known primarily for his work in British and American films during the 1930s and 1940s. Notable roles are Toomai from The Elephant Boy, Abu from The Thief of Baghdad, Mowgli from The Jungle Book, The Young General from Black Narcissus, Manoel from The End of the River, Ali Ben Ali from Arabian Nights, Talib from Rampage, and Ram Singh from A Tiger Walks.
Nominated for: Sabu was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1947 for Black Narcissus. What’s even more crushing is that this was probably his best film in which he’s portrayed as a three dimensional character and there aren’t a lot of people in the US who know it exists save maybe TCM fans.
Reasons: He was an Indian actor who was raised Muslim. Also was subject to a paternity suit and his career declined after WWII that he had to appear in a circus elephant act at one point. Not to mention, he was often typecast into stereotypical roles and had limited opportunity in Hollywood and British films, especially during the Hays Code. He should’ve went back to India for at least he’d get steady work in Bollywood. But he’d left that country far behind him by then.
Trivia: Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valor and bravery during WWII. Son was a 1980s rock musician. Co-owned a furniture store with his brother.

179. David Kelly

David Kelly might be known as Grandpa Joe from Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but he’s one of the most recognizable voices in his native Ireland who’s been in the limelight since the 1950s.

Personal Life: (1929-2012) Born in Dublin, Ireland. Began acting at 8 at the Gaiety Theatre and attended The Abbey School of Acting. Made his first film in 1958. Married to Laurie Morton for 51 years and had 2 children. Died after a short illness at 82.
Famous for: Irish actor and one of the most recognizable voices on stage and screen in that country. Notable roles are O’Brien from Young Cassidy, Garrett Deasy from Ulysses, Vicar from The Italian Job, Grandfather Reilly from Into the West, Michael O’Sullivan from Waking Ned Devine, Fergus Wilks from Greenfingers, and Grandpa Joe from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Nominated for: Kelly was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 2000 for Greenfingers.
Reasons: Kelly was primarily an Irish actor who mostly appeared in British and Irish media.
Trivia: Was trained in drafting, calligraphy, and watercolor.

180. Paul Robeson

Aside from his work as the man who sang, “Old Man River” and played Othello on Broadway, Paul Robeson was also a football All-American and class valedictorian at Rutgers as well as received an LL.B. from Columbia Law School.

Personal Life: (1898-1976) Born in Princeton, New Jersey. Father was a Presbyterian minister, yet was forced to resign his church position in 1901 after a disagreement with white backers that contained apparent racial undertones and was stuck doing menial jobs until he found another church to work at in 1910. Mother was nearly blind and died in a house fire when he was 6. Worked a summer job as a waiter in Rhode Island after graduation. Attended Rutgers on a full scholarship and went on to Columbia Law School. Supported himself as a professional football player, coach, and singer. Tried to practice law but racism prevented that. Made his theatrical debut in the 1920s and his film debut in 1924. Married to Eslanda Goode for 44 years and had a son. Retired due to health problems in 1963. Died of stroke complications in Philadelphia at 77.
Famous for: American actor and singer and one of the most influential black pioneers of music and cinema. Notable roles are Reverend Isaiah T. Jenkins / His brother Sylvester from Body and Soul, John Zinga from Song of Freedom, Joe from Showboat, King Umpoba from King Solomon’s Mines, David Goliath from The Proud Valley, and Luke from Tales of Manhattan.
Nominated for: Robeson was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for his achievements in film as well as being a pioneer for African Americans in cinema.
Reasons: Other than being black and having limited acting opportunities in Hollywood in general, Robeson was a civil rights activist who was an advocate for anti-imperialism, as well affiliated with Communism and a bit too friendly with the Soviets. This led to him being investigated by the FBI during the Red Scare and because he didn’t recant his income and passport were taken away from him. He was also blacklisted for 3 years. And while it was restored in 1958, his health would later break down that he had to retire in 1963 and spend the rest of his life in seclusion.
Trivia: Was an outstanding football player at Rutgers being an All-American. Also graduated from Rutgers as valedictorian. Would take over for his father during sermons when he was called away as a teenager. Befriended Fritz Pollard who was the first African American NFL football coach. Had an affair with Peggy Ashcroft during his time on Othello on Broadway. Involved in the Civil Rights Movement.

Anna May Wong was the first Chinese American movie star at a time when people thought Chinese people couldn’t be Americans. Here is her in the 1922 film The Toll of the Sea which was one of the first color films and made her a star as well as one of the few romance films that featured an interracial couple. The plot goes similarly along with Madame Butterfly.

During the first half of the 20th century to the early 1960s, most movies were made in black and white which has led many to think that the filmmakers didn’t have the technology to make color movies. However, this is a myth since there were quite a few movies made in color but the process was expensive and time consuming that most filmmakers just didn’t bother. And sometimes the colorization was just partial and didn’t look realistic in any way (though as long as the colorization is consistent with artistic vision, I’m not against this). However, such myths gave rise to the idea of colorization of classic black and white films in the 1980s and early 1990s courtesy of Ted Turner, which many people thought would introduce old movies to a new audience. Yet, to me and a lot of detractors, it’s just wrong. Seriously, even if making a film in color back in the day wouldn’t make sense in the finance scheme as well as be quite exhausting, if the filmmakers wanted their black and white films made in color, they would’ve done it. To colorize Casablanca would be just a travesty as doing the same to Schindler’s List for God’s sake. And if you want to know why colorization is a bad idea, here’s something by Roger Ebert http://www.rogerebert.com/interviews/casablanca-gets-colorized-but-dont-play-it-again-ted. In this selection, I bring you 10 more legends from those past Hollywood days when black and white movies were mostly produced. First, we have Austrian actress Romy Schneider best known for her European films and the Sissi Trilogy. Second, there are African American performers Juanita Moore who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Imitation of Life and Canada Lee who should’ve had his big break as a leading man in Cry, the Beloved Country, but was blacklisted instead. After them, is Chinese American actress Anna May Wong who was a celebrated actress and fashion icon, but because of certain rules in the Hays Code (or racism), wasn’t allowed to play the part of O-Lan from The Good Earth because the guy cast as her husband was white and a European actress was cast in the role instead. Then, you have Telly Savalas best known for his bald head and Kojak as well as Italian actor Vincent Gardenia who’s best remembered as Archie Bunker’s neighbor Frank Lorenzo. Next, comes Mexican actress Katy Juardo who’s known for appearing in westerns as well as was married for a time to Ernest Borgnine followed by Italian Pier Angeli who was better known for her relationships with James Dean and Vic Damone. After them, there’s Greek actress Irene Papas who appeared in 70 films for over 50 years but she was an unconventional beauty with a thick accent. And finally, there’s British 1960s sensation Sir Alan Bates. So without further adieu, here are 10 more actors and actresses who never got to make their Oscar speech during their careers.

161. Romy Schneider

Romy Schneider is best known for her role as 19th Empress Consort Elisabeth of Austria from the Sissi Trilogy. Basically this Trilogy basically consists of making Empress Elisabeth’s life pretty much like a Disney Princess movie, which it certainly wasn’t.

Personal Life: (1938-1982) Born Rosemarie Magdalena Albach in Nazi-era Vienna, Austria. Parents divorced in 1945 and mother remarried a restauranteur who might’ve had an unhealthy interest in her. Made her first film at 15. Was engaged to Alain Delon. Married twice and had 2 children. Son from first marriage died in an accident in attempting to climb a spiked fence at his stepfather’s home puncturing his femoral artery in the process at 14. Drank excessively after that (though may not have around the time of her death). Was found dead in her Paris apartment at 43 (officially ruled as a cardiac arrest).
Famous for: Austrian-German and French actress who made successful and critically acclaimed films of the 1950s and 1960s. Notable roles are Princess/Queen Victoria from Victoria in Dover, Niddy Hoevelmann from The Last Man, Sissi/Empress Elizabeth of Austria from the Sissi Trilogy and Ludwig, Anne-Claire Jouvain from Love from Paris, Nicole from Eva, Christine Weiring from Christine, Katia from Magnificent Sinner, Leni from The Trial, Regine from The Victors, Carole Werner from What’s New Pussycat?, Francesca Anderson from My Lover My Son, Gita Samuels from The Assassination of Trotsky, Anna Kupfer from Le Train, Helene from Mado, Marie from A Simple Story, Hélène Martin from Bloodline, Katherine Mortenhoe from Death Watch, and Emma Eckhert from La Banquière.
Nominated for: Schneider was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1963 for The Cardinal.
Reasons: Schneider was a European actress much more iconic in France and Austria than Hollywood.
Trivia: The Prix Romy Schneider; this prize—the most prestigious award for promising actresses in the French film industry—is awarded by a jury each year in Paris was named after her. Austrian newspaper has a TV award named after her, too.

162. Juanita Moore

Juanita Moore was the 5th African American to be nominated for an Academy Award as well as the third for Best Supporting Actress at a time when only a single African American had won the Oscar. She’s most famous in Imitation of Life.

Personal Life: (1914-2014) Born in Greenwood, Mississippi and raised in Los Angeles. Was a chorus girl at the Cotton Club while working in theater. Married for 50 years to Charles Burris and had at least one daughter. Retired in 2001. Died of natural causes at 99.
Famous for: American actress whose career spanned 59 years. Fifth African American to be nominated for an Academy Award in any category, and the third in the Supporting Actress category at a time when only a single African American had won an Oscar. Started out as an extra and played bit parts before her first big break in the 1940s. Notable roles are Nurse from Pinky, Nightclub Patron / Churchgoer from Cabin in the Sky, Dominique from Affair in Trinidad, Hilda from The Girl Can’t Help It, Lacy – Backstage Maid from The Helen Morgan Story, Annie Johnson from Imitation of Life, Julius’ Mother from A Child Is Waiting, Nurse from Rosie!, Viney from Skin Game, Hattie Fox from Fox Style, and Kenny’s Grandmother from The Kid.
Nominated for: Moore was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1959 for Imitation of Life.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Shelley Winters in 1959. Sure Winters was in The Diary of Anne Frank and isn’t either abused or abusive in any way. Yet, what’s more crushing is that Moore loss might’ve had nothing to do with her talents. In fact, she might’ve received the lowest vote count.
Reasons: If you were an African American actress in the 1950s, even if you were nominated for an Oscar, the chances of winning were slim (since it was during Jim Crow and segregation so it’s racism, folks). Also was confined to few roles due to the Hays Code and racism in general.
Trivia: Co-founded a theater troupe now headed by her grandson.

163. Anna May Wong

Anna May Wong was the first Chinese American movie star as well as the first Asian American to gain international fame. But as the Western film world was, she was only confined to play supporting players stereotyped as the demure “Butterfy” or “Dragon Lady.” Also, MGM refused to cast her as the Chinese O-Lan solely because Paul Muni was cast as the male lead.

Personal Life: (1905-1961) Born Wong Liu Tsong in Los Angeles to second-generation Cantonese American parents. Worked at Ville de Paris department store. Made her first film at 16 and dropped out of high school (to the chagrin of her parents but they later came to accept her career in show business since her father wrote an article expressing pride in his famous daughter in the 1930s). Suffered bouts of depression and sudden anger as well as practiced excessive smoking and drinking. Had relationships with Caucasian men since Chinese looked down actresses as prostitutes. Mother died in a car accident in 1931. Suffered an internal hemorrhage in 1953. Died of a heart attack at 56.
Famous for: American actress who became the first Chinese American movie star and the first Asian American to gain international recognition. Long and varied career spanned both silent and sound film (in the US and Europe), stage, radio, and television. Notable roles are Lotus Blossom from The Toll of the Sea, Mongol Slave from The Thief of Baghdad, Shosho from Piccadilly, Princess Ling Moy from Daughter of the Dragon, Hui Fei from Shanghai Express, Lan Ying from Dangerous to Know, Kwan Mei from Lady of Chungking, Su Lin from Impact, and Tawny from Portrait in Black.
Nominated for: Wong was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Other than not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1932 for Shanghai Express (since the award didn’t exist), I would say her most crushing loss wasn’t receiving an honorary Oscar from the Academy for being one of the first Asian American stars in Hollywood.
Reasons: For one, Wong was Asian, which basically limited her range of roles she could play like supporting roles as demure butterflies or stereotypical dragon ladies, which caused her a lot of frustration that she fled to Europe for a time. State anti-miscegenation laws (i.e. racism) prevented her from playing leads and she was usually passed over in favor of a white actress (even if the character was Asian). One notorious example of this was when MGM refused to consider her for the part of O-Lan for The Good Earth which went to German actress Luise Rainer. All because the main male character was played by Paul Muni and that the Hays Code had a rules against miscegenation, making this one of the most notorious casting disputes in movie history. Also, was less well received in China after Shanghai Express that they were also against her getting the part of O-Lan as well. And when she did portray Chinese characters in a positive light, they were for B-movies. Not to mention, many people thought at the time that it was impossible to be Chinese and American (even though she was a native born US citizen). Also, she died too early to receive an honorary Oscar.
Trivia: Real name means “yellow snow frost.” Friends with Marlene Dietrich and Leni Riefenstahl. Received an honorary doctorate from Peking University in 1932. Supported China during the Second Sino-Japanese War and made a series of anti-Japanese propaganda films during WWII. Starred in The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong in 1951-1952 under her real name which was the first US TV show to have an Asian lead. Was an outspoken activist in Chinese American causes and better film roles. Went on a tour of China for a year during the 1930s and chronicled her experiences in the New York Herald Tribune. Fluent in German and French. Wrote a cookbook called New Chinese Recipes in 1942. Converted her Santa Monica Home to “Moongate Apartments.” Hosted on of the first documentaries on China narrated by a Chinese American. Starred in one of the first color features.

164. Telly Savalas

Though best known as Kojak, Telly Savalas had a career that spanned 4 decades and appeared in movies like Birdman of Alcatraz, Cape Fear, The Dirty Dozen, and Kelly’s Heroes. Also started shaving his head when he played Pontius Pilate in The Greatest Story Ever Told.

Personal Life: (1922-1994) Born in Garden City, New York to Greek immigrants. Father was a Greek restaurant owner while mother was an artist. Spoke only Greek before he entered grade school. Worked as a lifeguard until he unsuccessfully tried to save a man from drowning which haunted him for the rest of his life. Graduated from Columbia University in 1948 with a degree in psychology. Served 3 years in the US Army during WWII by working in the State Department and later ABC News. Began his acting career in 1950 and started in radio and television. Married 3 times and had 6 children. Died of bladder and prostate cancer at 72.
Famous for: American actor and singer whose career spanned 4 decades. Notable roles are
Detective Lt. Gunderson from The Young Savages, Private Detective Charles Sievers from Cape Fear, Feto Gomez from Birdman of Alcatraz, Pontius Pilate from The Greatest Story Ever Told, Sgt. Guffy from Battle of the Bulge, Sgt. Maj. Dagineau from Beau Geste, Archer Maggott from The Dirty Dozen, MSgt. Big Joe from Kelly’s Heroes, Captain Sam Surcher from Pretty Maids All in a Row, Pancho Villa, and El Sleezo Tough from The Muppet Movie.
Nominated for: Savalas was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1962 for Birdman of Alcatraz.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for his career because he didn’t live long enough.
Reasons: Well, when it comes to the 1962 Oscars, Savalas was just burned by the competition. Not to mention, he spent a lot of his career being typecast as villains and that he spent a lot of his later years playing Kojak.
Trivia: Was Jenifer Aniston’s godfather. Played Kojak. Had some chart success as a singer. Brother recorded a series of Greek folk songs and appeared as a detective on Kojak.

165. Katy Jurado

Mexican Katy Jurado was the first Latin American actress nominated for an Oscar which was for Best Supporting Actress in 1953 for Broken Lace as well as the first to win a Golden Globe. Yet, unfortunately, she couldn’t break Hollywood typecasting.

Personal Life: (1924-2002) Born María Cristina Estela Marcela Jurado García in Guadalajara, Mexico. Parents and relatives were impoverished aristocrats who lost their wealth during the Mexican Revolution. Father was cattle baron and orange farmer while mother was an opera singer. Was discovered by director Emilio Fernández at 16 and pursued an acting career in spite of family wishes and married her first husband Víctor Velázquez to slip from her family’s control (she’d have 2 children with him. Made her first film in 1943. Worked as a movie columnist, radio reporter and bullfight critic to support her family and was spotted at a bullfight by John Wayne and came to Hollywood in 1951. Second husband was Ernest Borgnine. Moved back to Mexico permanently in 1968. Was plunged in a deep depression she could never overcome after her son died tragically in a highway accident at Monterrey. Suffered from heart and lung ailments toward the end of her life. Died at Cuernavaca, Mexico from kidney failure and pulmonary disease at 78.
Famous for: Mexican actress who established herself in Mexico and was a regular in Westerns during the 1950s and 1960s. Notable roles are Chelo Estrada from Bullfighter and the Lady, Helen Ramirez from High Noon, Paloma from El Bruto, Nita from Arrowhead, Señora Deverreaux from Broken Lance, Rosa from Trapeze, María Longworth from One-Eyed Jacks, Anita from The Badlanders, Sara from Barabbas, Eulalia from A Covenant with Death, Angela, the Witch from The Bridge in the Jungle, Eulogia from Fé, Esperanza y Caridad, Senora Baker from Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid, Señora Gregoria from Under the Volcano, and Meesa from The Hi-Lo Country.
Nominated for: Jurado was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1954 for Broken Lance.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1951 for High Noon. Her performance makes you wish that Gary Cooper never married Grace Kelly in that movie.
Reasons: Jurado was a Latina who was typecast to play ethnic roles in American films, sometimes stereotypically. She had a more diverse career in Mexico but Americans don’t watch Mexican movies (at least in the Northeast).
Trivia: First Latin American actress nominated for an Oscar and win a Golden Globe. Family once owned much of the land that would become the state of Texas. Cousin of Mexican President Emilio Portes Gil. Romantically linked to John Wayne, Tyrone Power, Louis L’Amour, and Marlon Brando. Was friends with Anthony Quinn, Burt Lancaster, Sam Peckinpah, Frank Sinatra, Alan Ladd, Sammy Davis Jr., Dolores del Río, John Wayne and others.

166. Vincent Gardenia

From 1945 to his death in 1991, Italian-American actor Vincent Gardenia had a successful career in stage, film, and television. Though best known as Archie Bunker’s neighbor Frank Lorenzo, he was also nominated twice for Best Supporting Actor.

Personal Life: (1920-1992) Born Vincenzo Scognamiglio in Naples, Italy. Family immigrated to the US when he was 2 years old. Father established an acting troupe that performed Italian language melodramas which he’d perform while growing up in New York City. Made his stage debut at 5 and left when he made his English debut on Broadway in 1960. Died of a heart attack in Philadelphia at 72.
Famous for: Italian American actor whose career spanned for over 40 years. Notable roles are Lawyer Laslo from Murder, Inc., Bartender from The Hustler, Dutch Schnell from Bang the Drum Slowly, Det. Frank Ochoa from Death Wish, Sheriff Pete Hartmann from The Front Page, Det. Lt. Krim from Heaven Can Wait, Mr. Mushnik from Little Shop of Horrors, and Cosmo Castorini from Moonstruck.
Nominated for: Gardenia was nominated twice for Best Supporting Actor in 1973 for Bang the Drum Slowly and 1987 for Moonstruck.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Sean Connery for Best Supporting Actor in 1987. I mean Connery is a decent actor but his performance as Jim Malone from The Untouchables was far from his best (since he didn’t play a convincing Irishman). Gardenia should’ve at least lost to Albert Brooks or Denzel Washington.
Reasons: Probably due to that he was better known for his theatrical and TV career than his films.
Trivia: Played Frank Lorenzo in All in the Family. Life member of The Actors Studio. Won a Tony in 1972.

167. Pier Angeli

Though she won a Golden Globe for starring in Teresa, Italian actress Pier Angeli is better known for her relationships with James Dean and Vic Damone as well as being the demure ordinary girl with a delicate face.

Personal Life: (1932-1971) Born Anna Maria Pierangeli in Cagliari, Sardinia in Italy. Made her first film in 1950 and moved to Hollywood a year later under MGM. Married twice with her first husband being Vic Damone and had a son to each husband. Found dead from a barbiturate overdose at 39.
Famous for: Italian actress known for her film appearances in the 1950s and 1960s, often starring as love interest. Notable roles are Teresa Russo from Teresa, Anna Vasarri from The Light Touch, Nina Burkhardt from The Story of Three Loves, Eufemia Calderon from Sombrero, Lisa from Flame and the Flesh, Deborra from The Silver Chalice, Norma from Somebody Up There Likes Me, Ildith from The Last Days of Sodom and Gomorrah, Louise from Battle of the Bulge, and Alexandra from Addio, Alexandra.
Nominated for: Angeli was never nominated for an Oscar. Her sister was though but she’s not as famous.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1951 for Teresa. Granted, she was young at the time but still. I mean she won a Golden Globe for it.
Reasons: Angeli was usually cast as a love interest to many of America’s emerging leading men of the time in the 1950s. Also she had a highly publicized custody battle over her son with Vic Damone during their divorce. Not to mention, she’s best known for dating James Dean and being Vic Damone’s wife. Then there’s the fact she died young.
Trivia: Twin sister of Marisa Pavan. Romantically linked to Kirk Douglas and James Dean. Was chosen to play in The Godfather but died before filming began.

168. Irene Papas

Greek actress Irene Papas starred in 70 films during her over 50 year career and received international acclaim. Her dark, intense features also made her well suited for tragic roles.

Personal Life: (1926-present) Born Irini Lelekou in Chiliomodi, Corinth in Greece. Discovered by Elia Kazan and started her early career in Greece before Hollywood. Married and divorced Alkis Papas but kept his name. Retired in 2003.
Famous for: Greek actress and occasional singer who starred in over 70 films in a career spanning more than 50 years. Appeared with Anthony Quinn in 7 films. Notable roles are Luisa Azzali from The Unfaithfuls, Faidia from Theodora, Slave Empress, Grune from Attila, Jocasta Constantine from Tribute to a Bad Man, Maria from The Guns of Navarone, Elektra from Electra, Antigone, Laskarina Bouboulina from Bouboulina, Ida Ginetta from The Brotherhood, Widow from Zorba the Greek, Helene from Z, Queen Katherine of Aragon from Anne of the Thousand Days, Helen from The Trojan Women, Hind from The Message, Klytaimnistra from Iphigenia, Simonetta Palazzi from Bloodline, Mabrouka from Lion of the Desert, Shaheen Parvici from Into the Night, and Mother Giuseppina from The Assisi Underground.
Nominated for: Papas was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1964 for Zorba the Greek. There’s still time to award her an honorary Oscar for her career so get to it, Academy.
Reasons: Despite her accolades, but as Roger Ebert said, “Her height rules out many leading men, her accent rules out many roles, and her unusual beauty is not the sort that superstar actresses like to compete with.” Perhaps this is why she’s not as familiar to us as she should be. That, or it’s just that the Academy just didn’t seem to recognize her talents or she tended to get overshadowed by leading men.
Trivia: Serves on the board of directors of the Anna-Marie Foundation. Released 3 albums. Romantically linked to Marlon Brando.

169. Sir Alan Bates

Sir Alan Bates achieved fame in British cinema during the 1960s which was an era of high creativity with the New Wave films. Yet, he was also known for some of his sexual proclivities with both sexes as well, which was widely known for some years.

Personal Life: (1934-2003) Born in Derby, England. Mother was a pianist while father was a cellist and insurance broker. Wanted to be an actor since he was 11. Studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before leaving to join the Royal Air Force. Made his stage debut in 1955 and his first film in 1960. Married to Victoria Ward for 22 years yet they separated many years before her death and had 2 sons. Was also known for his proclivities with men and women. Had a hip replacement before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Died from a stroke at 69 after going through a coma.
Famous for: British actor who rose to prominence in the 1960s when he appeared in films. Notable roles are Frank Rice from The Entertainer, Stephen Maddux from The Running Man, Basil from Zorba the Greek, Jos Jones from Georgy Girl, Gabriel Oak from Far From Madding Crowd, Yakov Bok from The Fixer, Rupert Burkin from Women in Love, Col. Vershinin from Three Sisters, Ted Burgess from The Go-Between, Saul from An Unmarried Woman, Rudge Campbell from The Rose, Sergei Diaghilev from Nijinsky, Claudius from Hamlet, Gayev from The Cherry Orchard, Jennings from Gosford Park, Alexander Leek from The Mothman Prophecies, and Tom Connolly from Evelyn.
Nominated for: Bates was nominated for Best Actor in 1968 for The Fixer.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1966 for Georgy Girl.
Reasons: Bates was well known for his bisexual proclivities which he rarely mentioned in his interviews or even acknowledged to his male lovers. One of his boyfriends was Olympic skater John Curry who died in his arms from AIDS in 1994. Yet, he also had couple of girlfriends in his later years.
Trivia: Attended RADA with Albert Finney and Peter O’Toole. Set up a theater in memory of his son who died at 19. Won 2 Tony Awards.

170. Canada Lee

Canada Lee’s role as Stephen Kumalo from Cry, the Beloved Country is his best known performance. Yet, instead of an Academy Award nomination, he was blacklisted in Hollywood for his civil rights activism.

Personal Life: (1907-1952) Born Leonard Lionel Cornelius Canegata in New York City. Father was from the Caribbean island of St. Croix. Trained as a musician by 12 as a concert violinist. Ran away in his teens to become a jockey but ended up a boxer instead where he fought under the name of Canada Lee as a result of an announcer’s mispronunciations. Yet, an eye injury would effectively end his athletic career by 1933. Began acting in 1934 after being impoverished despite earning $90,000 in his boxing career. Made his first film in 1939. Married twice and had a son to his first wife Juanita Waller. Died of a heart attack at 45.
Famous for: American actor who pioneered roles for African Americans who furthered the tradition by such actors as Paul Robeson. Made 5 films. Notable roles are George ‘Joe’ Spencer from Lifeboat, Ben Chaplin from Body and Soul, Lt. ‘Dixie’ Thompson from Lost Boundaries, and Stephen Kumalo from Cry, the Beloved Country.
Nominated for: Lee was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1952 for Cry, the Beloved Country. What even makes it more crushing is that this was the best role of his career, which should’ve generated Oscar buzz and help his career by our standards, but not so in the 1950s.
Reasons: Well, other than being black, Lee was a civil rights activist during the 1930s and 1940s as well as spoke against segregation in the armed forces during WWII. Unfortunately, this led him to being blacklisted once he was done filming Cry, the Beloved Country and he refused to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities. His blacklisting is believed to have led him to his early death.
Trivia: Conducted a 15 piece orchestra in Harlem during the 1930s at a night club he also managed. Neither survived the Great Depression. Was a surrogate father figure to Dr. Jack Geiger who founded Physicians for Social Responsibility. Was the first African American DJ on a major radio station.

If you had a guy like Inspector Clouseau working under you, you’d probably want to take him out with a bazooka, too. Seriously, I know Chief Inspector Dreyfus isn’t the best boss, but could we really blame him for going crazy like that? Seriously, Clouseau is a complete hell to work with.

During the Golden Age of Hollywood, actors were managed by what was called, “The Studio System” in which the moguls sought to develop a star’s talent as well as supervise aspects of their lives. Sure the resident studio mogul may make you a star, yet there was a cache with a new image like a possible name change or possible plastic surgery. I mean most of the moguls were Jews who changed their names to fit in so why shouldn’t Jewish, Hispanic, or real joke name sounding actors do the same? Oh, and as for projects, well, the studio chooses what you work in and what characters you play. So if you’re black or Asian, you can hope for a stereotyped supporting role at best. Sometimes they’d try to arrange dates and romances, especially if there’s suspicion if some male heartthrob is secretly gay. But if you get into some sort of trouble like divorce, alcoholism, drugs, adultery, or legal troubles, then the studio will pitch in with hush money. In this selection here are 10 more actors and actresses who never got to beat the Meryl Streep of their day. First, you have Pete Postlethwaite who did a lot of notable films during the last few decades before he croaked a few years ago. Second, you have notable old school British actresses Dame Edith Evans, Dame Gladys Cooper, and Susannah York. Third, there’s ZaSu Pitts whose funny voice was the inspiration for Popeye’s girlfriend Olive Oyl as well as notable 1930s actress Constance Bennett. After them, comes Oliver Reed best known for his drinking and dying during Gladiator. Then you have Herbert Lom most famous for playing Peter Sellers’ crazy boss from The Pink Panther series followed by General Jack D. Ripper portrayer Sterling Hayden. Finally, there’s Betty Grable, best known for her $1 million legs and being a WWII sex symbol. So for your reading pleasure, here are 10 more actors and actresses who never received the gold statuette.

151. Pete Postlethwaite

Pete Postlethwaite might’ve been confined to supporting roles, but he was in a lot of classic movies from the 1990s. This is him as the Magic Man from James and the Giant Peach, a film from my childhood I had on video in grade school. Seriously, I highly recommend it.

Personal Life: (1946-2011) Born in Warrington, Cheshire in England. Trained as a teacher at Saint Mary’s College and taught drama at Loreto College before training as an actor at The Old Vic Theater School. Was a smoker from the age of 10. Made his first film in 1975. Married to Jacqueline Morrish for 24 years and had 2 children. Was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1990 and had one testicle removed. Died of pancreatic cancer at 64.
Famous for: British actor known for his character performances in various films. Notable roles are Captain Beams from The Last of the Mohicans, Giuseppe Conlon from In the Name of the Father, Mr. Kobayashi from The Usual Suspects, Magic Man from James and the Giant Peach, Brother Gilbert of Glockenspur from Dragonheart, William S. Holabird from Amistad, John from Between Strangers, Dr. Lorbeer/ Dr. Brandt from The Constant Gardener, Spyros from Clash of the Titans, Maurice Fischer from Inception, and Fergus “Fergie” Colm from The Town.
Nominated for: Postlethwaite was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1993 for In the Name of the Father.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1995 for The Usual Suspects.
Reasons: Postlethwaite was basically burned by the competition the year he was nominated and it was for a film that would be seen as obscure to most Americans.
Trivia: Was advised to adopt a stage name “would never be put up in lights outside theaters because they couldn’t afford the electricity” but decided against it. Told the British Secretary of Energy that he’d return his OBE if a new coal power plant was built, which led to the proposal being shelved.

152. Dame Gladys Cooper

From Edwardian pantomime and musical comedy to Hollywood, Dame Gladys Cooper had a career that spanned 7 decades on stage and screen. Here is her as Sir Laurence Olivier’s sister from Rebecca, not Broomhilda.

Personal Life: (1888-1971) Born in London. Made her stage debut in 1905 and performed in Edwardian musicals and pantomime as a teenager. Made her first film in 1913. Moved to Hollywood in 1940. Married 3 times and had 3 children. After her third husband died, she returned to Great Britain. Died of pneumonia at Henley-on-Thames at 82.
Famous for: British actress whose career spanned 7 decades on stage, film, and television. Notable roles are Flora MacDonald from Bonnie Prince Charlie, Beatrice Lacy from Rebecca, Mrs. Strafford from Kitty Foyle, Lady Frances Nelson from That Hamilton Woman, Myrna Hartley from The Black Cat, Mrs. Vale from Now, Voyager, Sister Marie Therese Vauzous from The Song of Bernadette, Alice – Dutchess de Brancourt from Mrs. Parkington,
Clarissa Scott from The Valley of Decision, Beatrice Remington from Love Letters, Mrs. Hamilton from The Bishop’s Wife, Mrs. Medlock from The Secret Garden, Mme. Dupuis from Madame Bovary, Mrs. Railton-Bell from Separate Tables, Mrs. Karoudjian from The List of Adrian Messenger, Mrs. Higgins from My Fair Lady, and Aunt Mary from The Happiest Millionaire.
Nominated for: Cooper was nominated 3 times for Best Supporting Actress consisting of: in 1942 for Now, Voyager, 1944 for The Song of Bernadette, and 1965 for My Fair Lady.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Theresa Wright in 1942. Seriously, Mrs. Vale is one of the most selfish and least affectionate mothers in movie history.
Reasons: Well, in 1942, there was a war on, which was very good for Mrs. Miniver not much for other nominated movies. Also, Cooper was nominated in very bad years and got burned by the competition.
Trivia: Manager of the Playhouse Theatre from 1917 to 1933. Was in 2 Best Picture winners.

153. Dame Edith Evans

Despite not being conventionally attractive, Dame Edith Evans is said to play more than 100 roles on stage ranging from classics to modern voices. In movies, she was known for playing highly aristocratic woman like Miss Western shown here from Tom Jones.

Personal Life: (1888-1976) Born in London. Father was a junior civil servant at the General Post Office. Was apprenticed at 15 to a milliner and soon began attending drama classes which developed into an amateur performing group. Made her first stage appearance in 1910 and her West End debut in 1913. Made her first film in 1915. Married to George Booth for 10 years. Died in Kilndown, Kent at 88.
Famous for: British actress whose career spanned 60 years and played more than 100 roles on stage. Was widely known to portray haughty aristocratic women. Notable roles are Augusta Lady Bracknell from The Importance of Being Earnest, Mrs. Tanner from Look Back in Anger, Rev Mother Emmanuel from The Nun’s Story, Miss Western from Tom Jones, Mrs. St Maugham from The Chalk Garden, Lady Gregory from Young Cassidy, Mrs. Maggie Ross from The Whisperers, Miss Victoria Woodworth from Ftizwilly, Ghost of Christmas Past from Scrooge, Josephine from The Madwoman of Chaillot, and Anne-Marie from A Doll’s House.
Nominated for: Evans was nominated 3 times twice for Best Supporting Actress and once for Best Actress consisting of: in 1963 for Tom Jones, 1964 for The Chalk Garden, and 1967 for The Whisperers.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Margaret Rutherford in 1963. I mean Evans was great as Squire Western’s sister. I’m not sure if people still remember The V. I. P.s.
Reasons: Evans was better known on the British stage than in Hollywood. She was also more of a comic actress than a dramatic one.
Trivia: Joined ENSA and entertained troops in Gibraltar during WWII as well as toured with them in Europe, Britain, and India. Received honorary degrees from the universities of London (1950), Cambridge (1951), Oxford (1954) and Hull (1968). Had as sculpted head on display at the Royal Court Theatre for many years and a portrait painted of her. Said to be the greatest stage actress of the 20th century.

154. Susannah York

Susannah York’s Telegraph obituary characterized her as “the blue-eyed English rose with the china-white skin and cupid lips who epitomised the sensuality of the swinging Sixties.” Yet, her roles as Sophie Western or Katherine More “swinging” in my definition.

Personal Life: (1939-2011) Born Susannah Yolande Fletcher in Chelsea, London in England. Father was a merchant banker and a steel magnate. Parents divorced in 1943 and both remarried. Moved with her mother to Scotland. At 13, she was expelled from school for swimming in the pool nude. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Made her first film in 1960. Married to Michael Wells for 16 years and had 2 children before their 1976 divorce. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2010 and died the next year at 72.
Famous for: British actress whose appearances in films during the 1960s gave her an international reputation. Notable roles are Ellen from There Was a Crooked Man, Sophie Western from Tom Jones, Candace Trumpey from The 7th Dawn, Madeleine Usher from The Fall of the House of Usher, Margaret More from A Man for All Seasons, Eleanor from Oh! What a Lovely War, Section Officer Maggie Harvey from Battle of Britain, Alice from They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?, Cathryn from Images, Lara from Superman and other films, Jane Turner from The Awakening, Queenie from Alice, Lady Churchill from Yellowbeard, Mrs. Cratchit from A Christmas Carol, and Olivia from Loop.
Nominated for: York was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1969 for They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1966 for A Man for All Seasons, in which she bests Henry VIII in recitation.
Reasons: When nominated for an Oscar, she snubbed the Academy, declaring it offended her without being asked. Of course, nobody asks to be nominated for an Oscar. Also, publicly supported Mordechai Vanunu, the Israeli dissident who revealed Israel’s nuclear weapons program, an incident which still generated a lot of controversy as recent as 2007.
Trivia: Appointed Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1991. Wrote 2 children’s fantasy novels. Patron of Children’s Film Unit.

155. Oliver Reed

Oliver Reed was one of the biggest box office stars in the UK as well as known for his legendary alcoholism and playing Billy Sikes on Oliver!. Yet, most people my age remember him dying during the filming of Gladiator.

Personal Life: (1938-1999) Born in London. Was drafted in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Started his acting career as an extra in the 1950s. Was scarred from a bar fight in 1963. Married twice and had a daughter to Jacquie Daryl. Also had a son to his first wife Kate Byrne. Was known for his alcoholism. Was a tax exile at Guernsey and Ireland from the 1970s. Died of a heart attack in Malta at 61.
Famous for: British actor who exemplified his macho image in “tough guy” roles. Notable roles are Le Bete from The Trap, Billy Sikes from Oliver!, Ivan Dragomiloff from The Assassination Bureau, Gerald Crich from Women in Love, Urban Grandier from The Devils, Hugh Lombard from Ten Little Indians, Frank Hobbs from Tommy, Tom from Blueblood, Ben Rolf from Burnt Offerings, Gen. Rodolfo Graziani from Lion of the Desert, Gerald Kingsland from Castaway, Athos from The Three Musketeers, Hannibal Brooks, Vulcan from The Adventures of Baron Muchausen, and Proximo from Gladiator.
Nominated for: Reed was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 2000 for Gladiator.
Reasons: Reed was notorious for his alcoholism and binge drinking that he was often irritated that his appearances on TV talk shows focused more on his drinking feats than his latest film. It didn’t help that there were numerous anecdotes about it. Also appeared in a series of exploitation films.
Trivia: Was filming Gladiator at the time of his death. Nephew of director Sir Carol Reed. Brother was a sports journalist. Recorded some music with limited success.

156. Betty Grable

Out of all the 1940s pin-ups, none is as prolific as Betty Grable’s iconic promotion photo for the movie Pin Up Girl. The film was critical flop and largely forgotten yet the picture is just pure American memorabilia.

Personal Life: (1916-1973) Born Elizabeth Ruth Grable in St. Louis, Missouri. Was propelled into show business by her mother and made her first movie in 1929 at 12. Mother then gave her a makeover by bleaching her hair blonde. Was fired for her mother trying to get her a contract using false identification. Married twice with her first husband being Jackie Coogan. Had 2 daughters with second husband Harry James whom she was married to for 22 years before divorcing him in 1965 on grounds of alcoholism and infidelity. Died of lung cancer at 56.
Famous for: American actress, dancer, and singer and popular contract star for 20th Century-Fox during the 1940s and 1950s. Celebrated for having the most beautiful legs in Hollywood. Highest paid US entertainer in 1947. Notable roles are Dance Specialty from The Gay Divorcee, Trio Singer from Follow the Fleet, Laura Watson from Pigskin Parade, Carol Parker from Million Dollar Legs, Lily Blane from Tin Pan Alley, Carol Brown from A Yank in the RAF, Kathryn ‘Kay’ Latimer from Moon Over Miami, Pat Lambert from Footlight Serenade, Vicky Lane from Springtime in the Rockies, Madeline Marlowe/Rosie O’Grady from Sweet Rosie O’Grady, Kate Farley from Coney Island, Lorry Jones/Laura Lorraine from Pin Up Girl, Bonnie Collins from Diamond Horseshoe, Yansci ‘Jenny’ Dolly from The Dolly Sisters, Cynthia Pilgrim from The Shocking Miss Pilgrim, Myrtle McKinley Burt from Mama Wore Tights, Francesca/Angelina from That Lady in Ermine, Winnifred Jones from The Beautiful Blonde from Bashful Bend, Kitty Moran from My Blue Heaven, Kay Hudson from Call Me Mister, Molly Larkins from The Farmer Takes a Wife, and Loco Dempsey from How to Marry a Millionaire.
Nominated for: Grable was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar. Seriously, her legs are iconic.
Reasons: Well, her legs basically made her a sex symbol during the 1940s and 1950s. Also, specialized in musical and romantic comedy.
Trivia: 20th Century Fox took a $1 million insurance policy on her legs with Lloyd’s of London. Iconic bathing suit poster made her the number one pin-up girl of World War II, surpassing Rita Hayworth. Hugh Hefner said her legs inspired him to found Playboy (and you thought it was Marilyn Monroe).

157. Herbert Lom

While there can be nobody but Peter Sellers who could play Inspector Clouseau, you easily say the same thing when it comes to Herbert Lom playing Chief Inspector Dreyfus. I mean, his descent into madness through the Pink Panther series is hysterical and very understandable.

Personal Life: (1917-2012) Herbert Charles Angelo Kuchačevič ze Schluderpacheru in Prague during the Autro-Hungarian Empire which is now the Czech Republic. Made his film debut in 1938. Moved to the UK in 1939. Took Lom as a stage name because it was the shortest name he could find in a phone book. Was unable to obtain an American visa due to “political reasons” during WWII. Became a British citizen after the war. Married 3 times and had 3 children. Retired in 2004. Died in his sleep at 95.
Famous for: Czech-born British actor whose career lasted for more than 60 years appearing in character roles. Portrayed villains early in his career and played professional men in his later years. Notable roles are Napoleon from The Young Mr. Pitt and War and Peace, Kristo from Night and the City, Louis from The Ladykillers, Maj. DuPaty de Clam from I Accuse!, Tigranes Levantus from Spartacus, Charles Dreyfus from The Pink Panther series, Ben Yussuf from El Cid, Captain Nemo from Mysterious Island, Simon Legree from Uncle Tom’s Cabin,
Shahbandar from Gambit, and Dr. Edward Armstrong from Ten Little Indians.
Nominated for: Lom was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1955 for The Ladykillers. Also not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Dreyfus whose breakdown of violent insanity is hysterical.
Reasons: Lom is best known for his comedies and Hammer Horror films. Also he was often typecast as a villain, especially a foreign one. Also, he was from Czechoslovakia.
Trivia: Wrote 2 historical novels. Had a Jewish girlfriend who died in a Nazi concentration camp (and was deported from the UK for not having proper papers, which is even sadder. Not to mention, he didn’t know she was Jewish until then).

158. Sterling Hayden

General Jack D. Ripper: “I can no longer sit back and allow Communist infiltration, Communist indoctrination, Communist subversion, and the international Communist conspiracy to sap and impurify all of our precious bodily fluids.”Yes, Sterling Hayden can act like a crazy guy. You should hear about his adventures during WWII in the O. S. S.

Personal Life: (1916-1986) Born Sterling Relyea Walter in Montclair, New Jersey. Adopted at 9 by James Hayden after his father died. Grew up on the East Coast. Dropped out of school at 16 and worked as a sailor, fisherman, and fireman. Got his first command at 22. Became a print model and made his first film in 1941. Enlisted in the US Marine Corps as John Hamilton, was commissioned lieutenant, and spent WWII as a US OSS agent sailing supplies from Italy to Yugoslav partisans in Croatia. Married 3 times with his first wife being Madeline Carroll. Had 6 children and married to third wife Catherine Devine McConnell for 26 years. Died of prostate cancer at 70.
Famous for: American actor and author who appeared as a leading man specializing in westerns and film noir. Later became a noted character actor. Notable roles are Norman Williams from Virginia, Bert Donner from El Paso, Dix Handley from The Asphalt Jungle, Pervis DeJong from So Big, Sir Gawain from Prince Valiant, Johnny “Guitar” Logan from Johnny Guitar, Sheriff Tod Shaw from Suddenly, Jim Bowie from The Last Command, Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper from Dr. Strangelove, Captain McCluskey from The Godfather, Russell Tinsworthy from 9 to 5, and his numerous roles in westerns.
Nominated for: Hayden was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1964 for Dr. Strangelove. I mean he’s the kind of guy you didn’t want to be in the same room with as General Ripper.
Reasons: Had a brief membership in the Communist Party after WWII but cooperated with the House Committee on Un-American Activities confessing his ties and naming names, which he thought the committee already knew about. Also during his second divorce, he defied a court order and went on a sailing trip with 4 of his kids from San Francisco Bay to Tahiti with a well-known photographer to document it (he also lied about making a film there and got in trouble with the studio).
Trivia: Received a Silver Star, a Bronze Arrowhead device, and a commendation from Marshal Tito for his services. Was a huge sailing enthusiast and earned his master’s license at 21.

159. Constance Bennett

With her delicate blonde features and glamorous fashion style, Constance Bennett quickly became a popular film star in the 1920s and 1930s. And though she was acting in movies less often in the 1940s, she was in demand in theater and radio. She also had her own cosmetic and clothing company.

Personal Life: (1904-1965) Born in New York City from a famous theatrical family. Father was an actor Richard Bennett while mother was an actress and literary agent. Made her first film in 1916 with her parents. Married 5 times and had 3 children. Collapsed and died from a cerebral hemorrhage at Fort Dix, New Jersey at 60.
Famous for: American actress who mostly appeared in movies from the 1920s and 1930s. First Bennett sister to make it into show business. Notable roles are Elise Bascom from What’s Wrong with the Women?, Sally from Sally, Irene, and Mary, Ann Marvin from This Thing Called Love, Sylvia Brenner from Sin Takes a Holiday, Venice Muir from Lady with a Past, Mary Evans from What Price, Hollywood?, Judy Carroll from Rockabye, Duchess of Florence from The Affairs of Cellini, Helen Hall / Raquel from Moulin Rouge, Lorry Evans from Bed of Roses, Marion Kerby from Topper and other films, Gerry Lester from Tail Spin, Joan Madison from Law of the Tropics, Christina Blaine from Escape to Glory, Griselda Vaughn from Two-Faced Woman, Joan Bannister from Madame Spy, Zenia Lascalles from Centennial Summer, and Estelle from Madame X.
Nominated for: Bennett wasn’t nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1932 for What Price, Hollywood? which was a tragic behind the scenes look at the Hollywood studio system. Too bad they only had 3 nominee slots at the time.
Reasons: Most of Bennett’s movies were made before WWII and she didn’t make many movies after that. Was renowned as a drama queen who feuded with the press and enjoyed lawsuits. Also died before she could stage a comeback. Not to mention, she wasn’t as well-known as her sister Joan and was later remembered just as, “Joan Bennett’s sister.”
Trivia: Sister of Joan Bennett. Granddaughter of legendary Jamaican-born Shakespearean actor Lewis Morrison who was of English, Spanish, Jewish, and African ancestry. Founded a cosmetics and clothing company. Helped provide relief and entertainment to US troops stationed in Europe after WWII and won military honors for her services. Fifth husband would become a Brigadier General and be buried beside her at Arlington National Cemetery.

160. ZaSu Pitts

The “ZaSu” from ZaSu Pitts’ name was a childhood nickname her parents chose to settle competing interests of her paternal aunts Elizabeth and Susan. Also, it’s pronounced, “Say Zoo” not like the bird from The Lion King.

Personal Life: (1894-1963) Born Eliza Susan Pitts in Parsons, Kansas. Father lost a leg while 76th New York Infantry Regiment in the Civil War. “ZaSu” was a childhood nickname as a compromise for her father’s 2 sisters who wanted her to be named after them. Moved to Santa Cruz, California at 9 so her family can seek a warmer climate and job opportunities. Made her stage debut in 1914-1915 in school and community theater. Moved to Los Angeles in 1916. Married twice and adopted 2 children with first husband Thomas Sarsfield Gallery. Married to second husband John Edward “Eddie” Woodall for 30 years. Diagnosed with cancer during the 1950s but continued to work until the very end. Died at 69.
Famous for: American actress who starred in silent dramas and comedies before transitioning into comedy sound films. Often played worrisome spinsters and receptionists. Notable roles are Becky from The Little Princess, Trina from Greed, Polly Jordon from The Great Divide, Maggie Keenan from Pretty Ladies, Hope Durant from Monte Carlo, Camille from Casey at the Bat, Cecelia Schweisser from The Wedding March, Mother Spengler from Sins of the Fathers, Harriet from Paris, Pauline Hastings from No, No, Nanette, Minnie from The Bad Sister, Temperance Worker from Destry Rides Again, Mrs. Dole from Back Street, Matilda Ounce Hemingway from Dames, Cousin Cora Cartwright from Life with Father, Nurse Valerie Humpert from Francis, Olivia from The Thrill of It All, and Gertie from It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.
Nominated for: Pitts was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for her career which spanned from the silent era to the 1960s.
Reasons: Well, most of Pitts’ career took place during the silent and Pre-Code eras. After that, she just appeared in comedies. Also appeared in Eric Von Stroheim’s Greed which was a massive flop.
Trivia: First name pronounced, “Say Zoo” as she said it. Was the inspiration for Olive Oyl. Wrote a book of candy recipes.

I don’t know about you but does Barbara Bel Geddes seem jealous in Vertigo for some reason? Seriously, why would she want Scotty back? The guy’s a jerk.

Though my list of Oscar less actors and actresses mostly consist of the Hollywood variety, Americans usually don’t seem aware that Hollywood, California isn’t the only place where people are making movies and never was. In fact, as you may have read, some of these stars were from different countries and spent a certain amount of time working in their local film industry. Sometimes they got their start there. Yet, despite that other countries manage to produce great films throughout movie history, a lot of Americans don’t watch foreign films mostly because watching a film with subtitles commands one’s full attention. Not to mention, most foreign movies are played in select cities which put many out of reach unless they have money. Yet, Americans also fail to notice that the US isn’t the English speaking country making movies either, yet at least they don’t have subtitles to follow. However, even though Americans may not watch foreign movies, this doesn’t mean that they haven’t influenced culture or else Toshiro Mifune wouldn’t be on here since his movies have inspired many American films. Now in this selection, we have 10 more actors and actresses who have never won an Oscar in their careers. First, we have Robert Walker best known as Bruno Anthony from Strangers on a Train as well as John Cazale remembered as Fredo from The Godfather yet both these guys had short careers. Second, we have British actors like Richard Griffiths, Stanley Holloway, Lynn Redgrave, Celia Johnson, and Sir Anthony Quayle who were famous on both sides of the Atlantic doing films in the US and their home country. After that is Betsy Blair best known for being married to Gene Kelly, Marty, and being blacklisted. Then there’s Barbara Bel Geddes who most people remember playing Jimmy Stewart’s smart ass ex-girlfriend from Vertigo. Finally, comes Lee Remick who is best known for playing a deeply disturbed army wife, an alcoholic housewife, and an adoptive mother to the son of Satan. So sit back and relax as I give you 10 more actors who never gave their Oscar speech.

141. Robert Walker

Robert Walker is most famous for playing a charming psychopath named Bruno Anthony who offers to switch murders with a tennis pro. So remember, kiddos, even if you wish someone dead, trading murders is a really bad idea.

Personal Life: (1918-1951) Born in Salt Lake City, Utah. Parents divorced while he was still a child which emotionally scarred him. Attended American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Married twice with his first marriage to Jennifer Jones to whom he had 2 sons. Was distraught over Jones’ affair with David O. Selznick and their eventual divorce that he was prone to drinking, emotional outbursts, and a nervous breakdown. Spent time in the Menninger Clinic in 1949 for a psychiatric disorder. Died from and adverse reaction to prescription drugs which followed an emotional outburst at 32.
Famous for: American actor best known for Strangers on a Train. Notable roles are Leonard Purckett from Bataan, David Le Gros from Madame Curie, Corporal William G. “Bill” Smollett II from Since You Went Away, David Thatcher from Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, Corporal Joe Allen from The Clock, Jimmy Dobson from Her Highness and the Bellboy, Eddie Hatch from One Touch of Venus, and Bruno Anthony from Strangers on a Train.
Nominated for: Walker was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1951 for Strangers on a Train.
Reasons: Walker was twice divorced by 30 and suffered from alcoholism and mental illness, especially after his divorce from Jenifer Jones. Not to mention, he died at 32 and was in his twenties for most of his film career.
Trivia: Aunt was president of Botwin Teller.

142. Richard Griffiths

Though most people remember Richard Griffiths as Uncle Vernon, he’s also a rather accomplished actor on the British stage who really hated it when someone’s cell phone would ring during his performances.

Personal Life: (1947-2013) Born in Yorkshire, England. Father was a steelworker who fought in bars for money. Parents were both death and learned sign language at an early age to communicate with them. Attempted to run away many times and dropped out of school at 15 yet returned after working as a porter. Attended the Manchester Polytechnic School of Drama. Began his acting career in small theaters and radio. Married to Heather Gibson for 33 years. Died from complications from heart surgery at 65.
Famous for: British actor whose career spanned for nearly 40 years. Notable roles are Head Porter at Caius College from Chariots of Fire, Sir Tom from The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Collins from Gandhi, Uncle Monty from Withnail and I, Duncan Phipps from King Ralph, Magistrate Philipse from Sleepy Hollow, Vernon Dursley from the Harry Potter series, Donald from Venus, Hector from The History Boys, King George II from Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Monsieur Frick from Hugo.
Nominated for: Griffiths was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 2006 for The History Boys.
Reasons: Other than appearing on Harry Potter, Griffiths was much more famous in Britain.
Trivia: Performed with Daniel Radcliffe in Equus. Ordered people out of a theater during a performance over their cell phones ringing. Appeared in 2 Best Picture winners for 2 consecutive years.

143. Lee Remick

At the start of her career, Lee Remick was said to be the American Brigitte Bardot who had a film career playing trainwrecks, temptresses, or both. She also did a lot of reality based TV movies from the 1970s and appeared in a few Stephen Sondheim musicals.

Personal Life: (1935-1991) Born in Quincy, Massachusetts. Mother was an actress while father owned a department store. Studied acting at Barnard College and the Actors Studio. Debuted on Broadway in 1953 and made her first film in 1957. Married twice and had 2 children to first husband Bill Colleran. Married to second husband William Rory “Kip” Gowans for 21 years. Died of kidney cancer at 55.
Famous for: American actress best known for Anatomy of a Murder (1959), Days of Wine and Roses (1962), and The Omen (1976). Notable roles are Betty Lou Fleckum from A Face in the Crowd, Eula Varner from The Long, Hot Summer, Laura Manion from Anatomy of a Murder, Kirsten Arnesen Clay from Days of Wine and Roses, Stella from The Running Man, Cora Templeton Massingale from The Hallelujah Trail, Karen from The Detective, Katherine Thorn from The Omen, and Eugenia Young from The Europeans.
Nominated for: Remick was nominated for Best Actress in 1962 for Days of Wine and Roses.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Anne Bancroft for Best Actress in 1962. Sure I do feel that Bancroft deserved her Oscar. However, Remick’s character is very realistic portrayal of an alcoholic that really had Bette Davis say, “Miss Remick’s performance astonished me, and I thought, if I lose the Oscar, it will be to her.” Turns out the both lost to Mel Brooks’ wife (or future wife at the time).
Reasons: The Miracle Worker was an inspirational film about Helen Keller and her teacher while Days of Wine and Roses was about the dangers and harms associated with alcoholism. Also, she was burned by the competition. Not to mention, she died young. Also was said to be “America’s Answer to Brigitte Bardot” so take that what you will.
Trivia: Great grandmother was an English born preacher. Was the queen of reality based TV movies from the 1970s. Played Eleanor Roosevelt and Lady Jennie Jerome Churchill.

144. John Cazale

Though he only appeared in 5 films before dying of cancer at 42, each one John Cazale was in would be nominated for Best Picture during the 1970s. Close friend Al Pacino said of him, “All I wanted to do was work with John for the rest of my life. He was my acting partner.”

Personal Life: (1935-1978) Born in Revere, Massachusetts. Studied drama at Oberlin College and Boston University. Moved to New York City, worked as a messenger for Standard Oil and met Al Pacino. Made his first film in 1972. Was romantically involved with Meryl Streep for 2 years. Died of lung cancer at 42.
Famous for: American actor who appeared in 5 films over his 6 year career which were all nominated for Best Picture. Normally played violent and desperate characters onscreen. Notable roles are Fredo Corleone from The Godfather Trilogy, Stan from The Conversation, Salvatore Naturale from Dog Day Afternoon, and Stanley from The Deer Hunter.
Nominated for: Cazale was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1972 for The Godfather or in 1974 for its sequel.
Reasons: Cazale was a rather promising actor whom the Academy thought would get his chance later. Yet, he died at 42.
Trivia: Was close friends with Al Pacino and live-in boyfriend to Meryl Streep. Has a theater named after him. Said to be a kind and gentle person who was a close friend to most of the actors he worked with.

145. Betsy Blair

Though Betsy Blair earned an Oscar nomination for playing a shy schoolteacher on Marty, she almost didn’t get the part because she was blacklisted years prior for not naming names. Luckily then husband Gene Kelly intervened.

Personal Life: (1923-2009) Born Elizabeth Winifred Boger in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Began her career playing supporting roles. Worked as a child dancer from the age of 8 and was a model at 12. Won a scholarship Sarah Lawrence College but was told to wait one year before she could attend. Yet, she performed as a chorus girl at the International Casino in New York and Billy Rose’s Diamond Horseshoe where she met Gene Kelly. Made her first film in 1947. Married twice and had a daughter with first husband Gene Kelly. Married to Karl Reisz for 39 years. Moved to Europe and London after divorcing Kelly. Retired in 1994. Died of cancer in London at 85.
Famous for: American actress long based in London. Notable roles are Girl in Wig Shop from A Double Life, Birdie Bagtry from Another Part of the Forest, Hester from The Snake Pit, Clara from Marty, Elvia from Il Grido, Mother from Lies My Father Told Me, Emily from All Night Long, Amalia Brentani from Careless, Edna from A Delicate Balance, Helen from Flight of the Spruce Goose, and Gladys Simmons from Betrayed.
Nominated for: Blair was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1955 for Marty.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Jo Van Fleet in the Best Supporting Actress race in 1955. What’s even more crushing is that her loss might’ve had less to do with her performance in Marty, a role she’s best known for.
Reasons: For lack of a better word, politics for her interest in Marxism led to an investigation by the House Committee on Un-American Activities. She was blacklisted for some time because of this and almost didn’t get to play the school teacher on Marty. Yet, she had to seek work in Europe and Great Britain for her career in the US was damage. It’s also said to ruin her marriage to Gene Kelly.
Trivia: Married Gene Kelly at 17 years old. Performed before Eleanor Roosevelt at 8. Was juror at the 30th Berlin International Film Festival.

146. Barbara Bel Geddes

Before she played Miss Ellie Ewing from Dallas, Barbara Bel Geddes starred in a string of films during the 1940s and 1950s. Her best known roles are the daughter from I Remember Mama and the artist ex-girlfriend from Vertigo.

Personal Life: (1922-2005) Born in New York City. Daughter of stage and industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes. Came to prominence on Broadway in 1946. Made her first film in 1947. Married twice and had a daughter to each husband. Married to second husband Windsor Lewis for 21 years. Underwent a radical mastectomy in the early 1970s. Suffered a massive heart attack in 1983 and underwent triple bypass surgery. Retired in 1990 and settled in her Northeast Harbor home in Maine where she died at 82.
Famous for: American actress whose career spanned 6 decades. Notable roles are Jo Ann from The Long Night, Katrin from I Remember Mama, Leonora Eames from Caught, Nancy Reed from Panic in the Streets, Midge Wood from Vertigo, Marja from Five Branded Women, and Mrs. Todd from The Todd Killings.
Nominated for: Bel Geddes was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1948 for I Remember Mama.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1958 for Vertigo in which she’s the only character you’d want to have a beer with.
Reasons: Her career was stalled during the 1950s because she was on the Hollywood blacklist during an investigation on her by the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Nevertheless, Alfred Hitchcock basically saved her career by casting her in Vertigo and 4 episodes of his TV show Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
Trivia: Wrote 2 children’s books and created a popular line of greeting cards. Was Miss Ellie on Dallas and was the only cast member from the show to win an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe (sorry, Larry Hagman). Honored by Betty Ford for helping raise breast cancer awareness. Played Maggie the Cat in the original production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

147. Celia Johnson

Celia Johnson wasn’t a Hollywood actress but her role as a lonely housewife from Brief Encounter earned her an Oscar nomination. She also appeared Maggie Smith’s nemesis in another Brit film called The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.

Personal Life: (1908-1982) Born in Richmond, Surrey in England. Made her first public performance in 1916 in a charity performance to raise funds for returning WWI soldiers. Studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the Comédie Française. Made her stage debut in 1928. Made her first film in 1941. Married to Peter Fleming for 35 years and had 3 children. Died of a stroke while playing bridge with her friends at 73 in Nettlebed Oxfordshire.
Famous for: British actress whose career spanned 43 years. Notable roles are Mrs. Kinross/Alix from In Which We Serve, Laura Jesson from Brief Encounter, Matty Matheson from I Believe in You, Maud St. James from The Captain’s Paradise, Miss Mackay from The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and Mrs. Wheeler from The Hostage Tower.
Nominated for: Johnson was nominated for Best Actress in 1945 for Brief Encounter.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1969 for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
Reasons: Well, Johnson was just burned by the competition during her nomination and wasn’t as well known to American audiences as her fellow Brit Olivia deHavilland. Also, To Each His Own is about a woman who gets knocked up after a fling and unwittingly gives up her child for adoption while Brief Encounter is about two married people engaging in sympathetic adultery. Not to mention, she was always torn between family and her career.
Trivia: Was James Bond author Ian Fleming’s sister-in-law and since the 1990s, her daughters co-owned his estate. Nicknamed, “Betty.” Nominated for 5 BAFTAs and won twice.

148. Lynn Redgrave

To this day, Lynn Redgrave is the only actress to be nominated for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony without winning any of them. Perhaps that’s because her career was mostly overshadowed by her better known sister Vanessa.

Personal Life: (1943-2010) Born in London to actors Sir Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson. Trained at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama. Made professional debut in 1962. Made her first film in 1963. Was a member of the National Theatre at the Old Vic. Debuted on Broadway in 1967. Married to John Clark for 33 years and had 3 children. Divorced him after she found out he fathered a child with her personal assistant who was said to marry and divorce their son Benjamin. The proceedings were acrimonious and made front page news. Became a US citizen. Had health problems associated with bulimia and breast cancer which she was diagnosed with in 2002 and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. Yet, she died from the disease at her Kent, Connecticut home at 67.
Famous for: British American actress who appeared in several films during the 1960s. Notable roles are Susan from Tom Jones, Georgy from Georgy Girl, Virgin from The Deadly Affair, The Queen from Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask), Xaviera Hollander from The Happy Hooker, Gillian from Shine, Hanna from Gods and Monsters, Helen Whittaker from The Next Best Thing, Miss McVane from The Hairy Bird, Cordelia Thornberry from The Wild Thornberrys Movie, Aunt Millicent from Peter Pan, Final Interview Subject from Kinsey, Olga Belinskya from The White Countess, and Mama Sky from The Jane Austen Book Club.
Nominated for: Redgrave was nominated twice once for Best Actress and once for Best Supporting Actress in 1966 for Georgy Girl and 1998 for Gods and Monsters.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Dame Judy Dench in 1998. Sure Dench is a great actress but still, she shouldn’t have won for Shakespeare in Love. Seriously, Shakespeare in Love is just a totally historically inaccurate movie. Redgrave should’ve at least lost to Kathy Bates.
Reasons: No matter how talented she was, Redgrave was always best known as “Vanessa Redgrave’s sister.” Also burned out by the competition during both nominations.
Trivia: Sister of Vanessa Redgrave and aunt of Natasha Richardson (meaning she was related to Liam Neeson by marriage). Narrated 20 audiobooks. Only actress to be nominated for a Tony, Oscar, Grammy, and Emmy and not win any of them.

149. Stanley Holloway

British actor Stanley Holloway was famous for his comic and character roles on stage and screen during his 70 year career. He also recorded a series of monologues that have become part of Brit culture. Still, most of us remember him as Audrey Hepburn’s dead beat dad from My Fair Lady.

Personal Life: (1890-1982) Born in London. Father was a law clerk while mother was a dressmaker. Father deserted family in 1905 and was never seen or heard from again while his mother died the same year. Dropped out of school at 14 to work as a clerk at a boot polish factory and fish market before joining the military. Made his acting debut in 1910. Rejoined the military in 1915 and saw service during the Easter Rising and the French trenches. Married twice and had 5 children with 4 to his first wife of 24 years Alice “Queenie Foran and a son to second wife of over 40 years. Died at 91.
Famous for: British actor, comedian, singer, poet, and monologist. Famous for his comic and character roles on stage and screen. Had a career that spanned for 70 years. Made over 60 films. Notable roles are Policeman from Major Barbara, Alfred Godby from Brief Encounter, Belzanor from Caesar and Cleopatra, Vincent Crummles from Nicholas Nickelby, Gravedigger from Hamlet, Alfred Pendlebury from The Lavender Hill Mob, Mr. Lockit from The Beggar’s Opera, Alfred P. Doolittle from My Fair Lady, Detective William Henry Blore from Ten Little Indians, and Mr. Matthews from Journey Into Fear.
Nominated for: Holloway was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1965 for My Fair Lady.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Peter Ustinov in the Best Supporting Actor race of 1964. Sure Ustinov was a great actor but he already won an Oscar for Spartacus.
Reasons: Holloway was much better known in Britain than in the US and was more renowned for his comical and character performances mostly in British films.
Trivia: Named after explorer Henry Morton Stanley. Received the Victoria Cross for gallantry. Spent the later part of the war organizing shows to boost morale in France. Performed more than 20 monologues on stage as Sam Small, which he mostly wrote himself. Played Alfred P. Doolittle in the original cast of My Fair Lady and was the only cast member to do his own singing in the movie. Shares a granddaughter with Roald Dahl. Was friends with Maurice Chevalier and Sir Laurence Olivier as well as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Burgess Meredith, and Groucho Marx.

150. Sir Anthony Quayle

Sir Anthony Quayle was known to play a lot of British officers during his career mostly because he drew a lot such performances from his own wartime experience. This brought an authenticity absent in performances by some non-combatant stars.

Personal Life: (1913-1989) Born in Southport, Lancashire in England. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and joined the Old Vic in 1932. Made his first film in 1938. Served as a British officer as a commander in area Auxiliary Units. Later joined the Special Operations Executive as a liaison to Albania. Was aide to the Governor of Gibraltar during General Władysław Sikorski’s plane crash in 1943. Married twice and had 3 children with second wife Dorothy Hyson to whom he was married to for 44 years. Died of liver failure at 76.
Famous for: British actor and director whose career spanned 54 years. Notable roles are Marcellus from Hamlet, Franklin from The Guns of Navarone, Colonel Brighton from Lawrence of Arabia, Verulus from The Fall of the Roman Empire, Sir John Edward Duncombe from Misunderstood, Older Englishman from MacKenna’s Gold, Cardinal Wolsey from Anne of the Thousand Days, Lord Minto from The Nelson Affair, Admiral Canaris from The Eagle Has Landed, Father Noessler from Magdalene, Frank O’Connor from The Wrong Man, and Lord Granville from King of the Wind.
Nominated for: Quayle was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1970 for Anne of the Thousand Days.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1962 for Lawrence of Arabia.
Reasons: Quayle was much better known in the British theater and movie world than among American audiences.
Trivia: Wrote fictionalized memoirs about his wartime experiences. Helped lay the foundation for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Founded his own theater company in 1984. Was knighted in 1985.

Though Linda Darnell played the Virgin Mary in The Song of Bernadette, she didn’t receive credit for her role for her off-screen persona was anything but, especially in later years. Of course, the reason here was that the studios wanted to see her as a sex symbol and that she ran off with a much older cameraman in 1943.

Of course, since my Oscar-less actors and actresses series deals mostly with the players from The Golden Age of Hollywood, it should be no surprise that most of the actors featured are white. Old Hollywood was not a great place for people of color during this period since such players would usually get consigned to play rather stereotypical roles, many of which presented who demographics in a negative light. African Americans usually played servants happy to work for their masters during segregation. Hispanics were portrayed as sensuous Latin lovers, banditos, or lazy workers who took after lunch siesta or else suffer from heat exhaustion. And if a main character had an Asian love interest, then he or she was played by a white person because the Hays Code basically banned interracial kissing onscreen. Of course, I featured quite a few movie stars of color from the era since they were basically robbed of any critical attention in their careers. In this selection, I bring you 10 more movie legends you may or may not have heard of. First, we have Dolores Del Rio who was called “The Female Rudolph Valentino” as well as the first Latin American actress to gain international recognition. Second, we have Glenda Farrell and Joan Blondell known funny ladies associated with the Pre-Code Era and the 1930s. Third, comes prolific character actor and Hollywood patriarch John Carradine better known as the father of David Carradine and Keith Carradine who played Frank Lundy from Dexter. After that is Frances Farmer who’s less remembered for her performances than for her time in a mental institution followed by Sylvia Sidney, an actress who played gangster molls and old ladies in Tim Burton movies like Beetlejuice and Mars Attacks!. Then there are Joan Bennett and Linda Darnell who were remembered as film noir dames yet with personal lives marred by scandals that nearly threatened their careers. Next there is Herbert Marshall who starred in many well-regarded films as a leading man despite being a WWI amputee. And last but not least, we have Van Johnson known for playing cheery roles despite his personal life being no bed of roses. So without further adieu, I bring you 10 more actors and actresses who never had a gold statuette on their mantlepieces.

131. Dolores Del Rio

Dolores Del Rio was the first Latin American actress to gain international attention and one of the most important female figures in Mexico’s Golden Age of Cinema during the 1940s and 1950s. Yet, even though Hispanics are the fastest growing demographic in the US, she never received an honorary Oscar in her lifetime.

Personal Life: (1905-1983) Born María de los Dolores Asúnsolo López-Negrete in Durango, Mexico. Father was director of the Bank of Durango and parents were members of the ruling class during the Porifirio Diaz regime. Family lost all assets during the Mexican Revolution and were forced to relocate to Mexico City, living under President Francisco I. Madero, who was her mother’s cousin. Attended the Liceo Franco Mexicano and was chosen to dance for a local hospital benefit and eventually marrying the benevolent group’s leader Jaime Martínez del Río y Viñent at 16 with a 2 year honeymoon in Europe. Yet, once they returned, Jaime lost his fortune and his country’s estate due to the bottom falling out in the cotton market and she miscarried (but instructed never to try for another child). Discovered by a First National director who convinced her and her first husband to go to Hollywood. Made her first film in 1925. Married 3 times. Married to third husband Lewis Riley for 24 years. Suffered a severe kidney infection in 1930. Though suffered a pain in her bones since the 1960s she was diagnosed with osteomyelitis in 1978. Diagnosed with Hepatitis B in 1981 caught through expired vitamin injections which developed into cirrhosis. Died of liver disease in Newport Beach, California at 77.
Famous for: Mexican actress who was considered one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood during the 1920s. One of the few silent superstars to make the transition to talkies and noted for her participation in Pre-Code musicals. When her Hollywood career began to decline, she returned to her native country and join the Mexican film industry, which was at its peak, becoming the most important star in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. First Latin American female star to be recognized internationally. Notable roles are Carlotta Da Silva from Joanna, Charmaine de la Cognac from What Price Glory?, Katyusha Maslova from Resurrection, Carmen from The Loves of Carmen, Ramona, Evangeline, Luana from Bird of Paradise, Madame DuBarry, Belinnha de Rezende from Flying Down to Rio, Inez from Wonder Bar, Josette Martell from Journey into Fear, Maria Candelaria, Mrs. Erlynne from Story of a Bad Woman, María Dolores from The Fugitive, Spanish Woman from Cheyenne Autumn, Gilda “La Doña” from Casa de Mujeres, and Grandma from The Children of Sanchez.
Nominated for: Del Rio was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar as a pioneer for her accomplishments in films in both the US and Mexico, especially since the American Hispanic population is on the rise and most Latinos have Mexican ancestry.
Reasons: For one, de Rio was Mexican. Second, she was a bigger star in Hollywood during the silent and Pre-Code eras and mainly spent the rest of her career in Mexico. Also was suspected of Communism since 1934 when she attended a special screening of a Sergei Eisenstein’s ¡Que viva México! with Ramon Novarro and Lupe Velez. Was also associated with people like Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Charles Chaplin and Orson Welles who also had some (perceived) ties to communism. Not to mention, she befriended Eva Peron and the Duke of Windsor. She would later be denied to work in the US for 2 years during the 1950s.
Trivia: Romantically linked to Orson Welles. Was a juror at some international film festivals like Cannes Film Festival (1957), Berlin Film Festival (1962), and San Sebastián Film Festival (1976). Co-founder of the Sociedad Protectora del Tesoro Artistico de México (Society for the Protection of the artistic treasures of Mexico) with the philanthropist Felipe García Beraza that was responsible for protecting buildings, paintings, and other works of art and culture in Mexico. Helped found the Cultural Festival Cervantino in Guanajuato. Help found, lead, and support “Rosa Mexicano” that was meant to protect Mexican actresses and their children. Her Coyoacan “La Escondia” was a popular place for celebrities like Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, María Félix, Merle Oberon, David O’Selznick, Jennifer Jones, the Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, Princess Soraya of Iran and more. Upon her return to Hollywood, Elvis Presley presented her with a bouquet of flowers saying, “Lady, I know exactly who you are. It’s an honor to work with one of the largest and most respected legends of Classic Hollywood. As you will be my mother in the film, I want to ask permission for my ophthalmologist make contact lenses that mimic the color of your eyes.” She took to him and regard him with maternal affection.

132. Joan Blondell

Establishing herself as a brassy blonde during Hollywood’s Pre-Code Era, Joan Blondell enjoyed a long career of appearing in 80 films from Goldiggers of 1933 to Grease.

Personal Life: (1906-1979) Born Rose Joan Blondell in New York City to a vaudeville family. Father was one of the original Katzenjammer Kids. Slept in a property trunk as a baby and made her first stage appearance at 4 months being carried onstage in it. Grew up in Dallas, Texas. Attended what’s now the University of North Texas which was a teacher’s college in Denton, where her mother was an actress. Worked as a fashion model, stage hand, and clerk at a New York store before joining a stock company and performing on Broadway, including a play with James Cagney. Both were discovered by Al Jolson in 1930 and made their first film the same year. Married 3 times with second marriage being to Dick Powell and third to Mike Todd (who ran off with her savings) and had 3 children. Died of leukemia at 73.
Famous for: American actress whose career spanned 5 decades. Appeared in 100 movies and TV productions. Notable roles are Myrtle from Sinner’s Holiday, Mamie from The Public Enemy, Maloney from Night Nurse, Nurse Adams, aka Miss Pinkerton from Miss Pinkerton, Mary Keaton from Three on a Match, Carol from Gold Diggers of 1933, Nan from Footlight Parade, Peggy Revere from Stage Struck, Jenny Blake from Lady for a Night, Aunt Sissy from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Zeena Krumbein from Nightmare Alley, Annie Rawlins from The Blue Veil, Peg Costello from Desk Set, Edith from The Opposite Sex, Molly Hays from Angel Baby, Lady Fingers from The Cincinnati Kid, Vi from Grease, and Dolly Kenyon from The Champ.
Nominated for: Blondell was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1951 for The Blue Veil.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1945 for A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
Reasons: Well, she was burned by the competition during her nomination. Also, she was known predominantly as a comic actress. Not to mention, she did a few risqué photos during the Pre-Code era when she established herself as a wisecracking blonde.
Trivia: Under the name Rosebud Blondell, she was 1926 Miss Dallas and placed 4th in the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Wrote a novel called Center Door Fancy.

133. Glenda Farrell

Glenda Farrell is best known as the resilient, fast-talking, crime solving reporter Torchy Blane from a series of 1930s films. Her most famous character would later be the inspiration for Nancy Drew and Lois Lane.

Personal Life: (1904-1971) Born in Enid, Oklahoma. Began her acting career with at theatrical company at 7. Made her first film in 1925. Married twice and had a son with first husband Thomas Richards. Married to second husband Dr. Henry Ross for 30 years (who was buried with her). Died of lung cancer at 66.
Famous for: American actress best known as Torchy Blane in a 1930s film series. Notable roles are Olga Stassoff from Little Caesar, Mrs. Black, Prisoner at Checkers Table from Three on a Match, Florence Dempsey from Mystery of the Wax Museum, Missouri Martin from Lady for a Day, Marie from I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang, Torchy Blane from Smart Blonde and other films, Jean Fenderson from Prison Break, Mae Blythe Agridowski from Johnny Eager, Regina Rush from The Talk of the Town, Hazel Bixby from I Love Trouble, Maude Snodgrass from Susan Slept Here, Mrs. Nesbit from The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing, Mrs. Winston from Secret of the Incas, and Mrs. Mueller from Middle of the Night.
Nominated for: Farrell was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1932 for I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang since the award didn’t exist. Yet, she played the only person who genuinely cared about Paul Muni in the film.
Reasons: She was basically best known as the career oriented, competent, self-reliant, and intelligent Torchy Blane which got her typecast and partly inspired Nancy Drew and possibly Lois Lane.
Trivia: Second husband was a West Point graduate and member of General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s staff during WWII. Mother of Tommy Farrell. Buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

134. John Carradine

Though better known as the patriarch of the Carradine family, John Carradine was a prolific character actor who appeared in 227 film and TV credits throughout his career. Did everything from horror and westerns to Shakespearean drama.

Personal Life: (1906-1988) Born Richmond Reed Carradine in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village in New York City. Father was correspondent for the Associated Press while mother was a surgeon. Grandfather was evangelical author Beverly Carradine. At 2, his father died of tuberculosis. Stepfather was a paper manufacturer who was physically abusive. Ran away from home at 14 but later returned. Studied sculpture at Philadelphia’s Graphic Arts Institute. Was arrested for vagrancy and suffered a broken nose in jail that didn’t set correctly. Made his stage debut at New Orleans in 1925. Shipped bananas from Dallas to Los Angeles and worked as a set designer for Cecil B. DeMille. Made first film in 1930. Retired in 1987. Married 4 times and had 5 sons. Adopted Bruce and had David to first wife Ardanelle McCool Cosner and Christopher, Keith, and Robert to second wife Sonia Sorel. Both these 2 marriages ended in divorce and very acrimonious custody and alimony battles that resulted in his younger children being sent to an abused children’s home as wards of the court as well as himself in jail. Was separated from his third wife Doris Grimshaw when she died in a fire in 1971 started by her burning cigarette. Suffered from crippling arthritis before dying of multiple organ failure in Italy at 82.
Famous for: American actor best known for his role in horror films, westerns, and Shakespeare theater. Member of Cecil B. DeMille’s and later John Ford’s stock company. Was one of the most prolific character actors in movie Hollywood history as well as patriarch of the Carradine family. Made about 227 credit appearances. Notable roles are Enjolras from Les Miserables, Beauty Smith from White Fang, David Rizzio from Mary of Scotland, Jim Farrar from Ramona, Sand Diviner from The Garden of Allah, Gordon from Kidnapped, Bob Ford from Jesse James, Barryman from The Hound of the Baskervilles, Hatfield from Stagecoach, Jim Casy from The Grapes of Wrath, Porter Rockwell from Brigham Young, Nacional from Blood and Sand, Gaston Morel from Bluebeard, Orange Povey from Captain Kidd, Charles Forestier from The Private Affairs of Belle Ami, Old Tom from Johnny Guitar, Fletcher from The Kentuckian, Giacomo from The Court Jester, Bruce Alden from The Patsy, Jeff Blair from Cheyenne Autumn, and other roles in westerns and horror movies.
Nominated for: Carradine was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1940 for Stagecoach. Also, not receiving an honorary Oscar for his sheer volume of work men like Eli Wallach and Mickey Rooney have.
Reasons: Well, other than appearing in westerns and horror movies, his acrimonious custody and alimony battles might have hurt his chances.
Trivia: Was said to be apprentice for Lincoln Monument sculptor Daniel Chester French. Third wife typed the script to The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Son Christopher is vice president of Disney Imagineering. Had the word “HAM” on his Mercedes-Benz license plate. Had climbed 328 steps of Milan’s Gothic Duomo Cathedral when he was fatally stricken.

135. Joan Bennett

Joan Bennett had 3 distinct phases of her career: first as a winsome blonde, second as a sensuous femme fatale, and third as a warmhearted matriarch such as in Dark Shadows. Also has a scandal in which her husband shot her agent over suspicion she and the agent were having an affair.

Personal Life: (1910-1990) Born in Fort Lee, New Jersey from a famous theatrical family. Father was an actor Richard Bennett while mother was an actress and literary agent. Made her first film in 1916 with her parents. Attended L’Hermitage, which was a finishing school in Versailles, France. Married 4 times and had 4 children. Married to third husband producer Walter Wanger for 25 years (I’ll get to him later). Retired in 1982. Died of a heart attack at 80.
Famous for: American actress who appeared in more than 70 films from the silent era well into the sound era. Best known for her femme fatale roles in Fritz Lang movies. Had three distinct phases to her long and successful career, first as a winsome blonde ingenue, then as a sensuous brunette femme fatale (with looks that movie magazines often compared to those of Hedy Lamarr), and finally as a warmhearted wife/mother figure. Notable roles are Phyllis Benton from Bulldog Drummond, Lady Clarissa Pevensey from Disraeli, Lucy Blackburn from The Mississippi Gambler, Delores Fenton from Puttin’ on the Ritz, Helen Riley from Me and My Gal, Amy from Little Women, Helen Berkeley from The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo, Brenda Bentley from The House Across the Bay, Princess Maria Theresa from The Man in the Iron Mask, June Delaney from Girl Trouble, Sophia Baumer from Margin for Error, Alice Reed from The Woman in the Window, Katharine “Kitty” March from Scarlet Street, Margaret “Margot” Macomber from The Macomber Affair, Peggy from The Woman on the Beach, Ellie Banks from Father of the Bride and Father’s Little Dividend, Amelie Ducotel from We’re No Angels, Madame Blanc from Suspira, and Elizabeth Collins Stoddard from House of Dark Shadows.
Nominated for: Bennett was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1947 for The Macomber Affair in which you really can’t tell whether to love her or hate her.
Reasons: Well, her career went through major damage in a 1961 scandal when her third husband Walter Wanger shot and injured her agent Jennings Lang in the balls over suspicion of him having an affair with his wife at the time (which she flatly denied). This in front of her. Wanger got off on a temporary insanity defense and a 4 month prison stint for assault with intent to kill. Nevertheless, she was virtually blacklisted for this for a time (yet I can’t understand why she stayed married to the jerk for 4 more years. Jesus!)
Trivia: Played Elizabeth Collins Stoddard on the daytime soap opera Dark Shadows. Sister of Constance Bennett. Granddaughter of legendary Jamaican-born Shakespearean actor Lewis Morrison who was of English, Spanish, Jewish, and African ancestry.

136. Herbert Marshall

Despite losing a leg while fighting for his country during WWI, Herbert Marshall managed to be an in-demand leading man in the 1930s. This might be because he had a nice English accent and that he was never expected to do a sex scene.

Personal Life: (1890-1966) Born in London. Parents were stage actors and his father also dabbled in writing and directing. Primarily raised by his aunts yet would occasionally appear on stage with his parents. Worked as an accounting clerk and an assistant manager for a troupe run by his father’s friend as well as a series of backstage jobs. Thus, decided to become an actor. Served in the London Scottish Regiment during WWI but was shot in the right knee by a sniper. His leg would later be amputated after a series of operations and he was in the hospital for 3 months. After he learned to walk with a prosthetic, he decided to return to the theater. Yet, he would suffer from the phantom pain associated with it for the rest of his life. Made his film debut in 1927. Married 5 times and had 2 children to his second and third wives. Suffered from bouts of depression and alcoholism. Suffered from a pulmonary embolism in 1951. Died of heart failure at 75.
Famous for: British actor who starred in many popular and well-regarded Hollywood films in the 1930s and 1940s. After a successful theater career in Britain and North America, became an in-demand Hollywood leading man, frequently appearing in romantic melodramas and occasional comedies. Turned to character acting in his later years. Notable roles are Geoffrey Hammond from The Letter, Edward ‘Ned’ Faraday from Blonde Venus, Gaston Monescu from Trouble in Paradise, Walter Fane from The Painted Veil, Gray Meredith from A Bill of Divorcement, Robert Crosbie from The Letter, Horace Giddens from The Little Foxes, W. Somerset Maugham from The Razor’s Edge, Scott Chavez from Duel in the Sun, Archibald Craven from The Secret Garden, William, Earl of Mackworth from The Black Shield of Falworth, and Lord Robert Dudley from The Virgin Queen.
Nominated for: Marshall was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1946 for The Razor’s Edge.
Reasons: Though he was respected and liked by his colleagues for his professionalism, talent, gentlemanly demeanor, and pleasant attitude, he had a private turbulent life that periodically appeared in gossip columns.
Trivia: Grandfather wrote several books on art and travel while his uncle was a dramatic critic. Great-nephew of Edward Wollstonecraft who was a nephew of Mary Wollstonecraft and cousin of Mary Shelley. Was called “Bart” by his mother because she hated the nickname, “Bertie.” Was visited in the hospital by King George V during WWI and when asked to pick up which of his legs was fake, chose the wrong one. Made numerous appearances on the Armed Forces Radio Services during WWII and helped organize British war relief in Hollywood. Used his own money for travel to visit military hospitals during WWII and particularly focused on encouraging amputee soldiers to keep a positive attitude and not think of themselves as handicapped or limited. He even discussed his own experience with his amputation and gave them tips on how to use their prosthetics. Daughter Ann was Jack Nicholson’s personal assistant. Had an affair with Gloria Swanson. Starred in his own radio series A Man Called “X.”

137. Linda Darnell

From an ambitious stage mother, alcoholism, affairs, mental illness, and legal battles to her legendary death in a house fire, Linda Darnell’s life was full of drama from the time she came to Hollywood at 15. She may have had a perfect face yet her life was a hot mess which would end in flames -literally.

Personal Life: (1923-1965) Born Monetta Eloyse Darnall in Dallas, Texas. Father was a postal clerk. Parents’ marriage wasn’t happy and she grew up a shy and reserved girl in a house of domestic turmoil. Mother had big plans for her and thought she was the only one of her children with potential as an actress and ignored rearing her other kids. Mother’s reputation in her neighborhood ranged from “aggressive” to “downright mean.” Worked as a model at 11 and started acting at 13. Also, performed in beauty contests. Spotted by a talent scout from 20th Century Fox in 1937 who invited her for a screen test in Hollywood but was initially rejected for being too young (she was a teenager). At 15, she secured a contract in 1939 but lied about her age (posed as 17 but listed at 19). Made her first film in 1939. Married 3 times and adopted a daughter with first husband Peverell Marley. Died from severe burns sustained in a house fire in Chicago, Illinois at 41, which burned 80-90% of her body.
Famous for: American actress who appeared in supporting roles for big budget films at 20th Century Fox throughout the 1940s and rose to fame co-starring opposite Tyrone Power in adventure films. Established a main character career after her role in Forever Amber. Won critical acclaim for her work in Unfaithfully Yours and A Letter to Three Wives. Notable roles are Carolyn Sayers from Star Dust, Zina Webb – The Outsider from Bringham Young, Lolita Quintero from The Mark of Zorro, Carmen Espinosa from Blood and Sand, Virginia Clemm from The Loves of Edgar Allan Poe, The Virgin Mary from The Song of Bernadette, Dawn Starlight from Buffalo Bill, Netta Longdon from Hangover Square, Stella from Fallen Angel, Tuptim from Anna and the King of Siam, Amber St. Clair from Forever Amber, Chihuahua from My Darling Clementine, Daphne De Carter from Unfaithfully Yours, Lora Mae Hollingsway from A Letter to Three Wives, Edie Johnson from No Way Out, and Edwina Mansfield from Blackbeard the Pirate.
Nominated for: Darnell was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1949 for A Letter to Three Wives in which her portrayal of a social climber is sympathetic and well balanced compared to others.
Reasons: Though she appeared onscreen as The Virgin Mary in The Song of Bernadette, her off-screen lifestyle was particularly notorious and made perfect tabloid fodder. She struggled with alcoholism, weight gain, and mental health issues. She fought legal battles with agents and estranged husbands causing her financial woes as well as distanced herself from her dysfunctional family. She also had a lot of affairs and it’s said Ann Miller was her only friend. This didn’t help that 20th Century Fox wanted her to be a movie sex symbol.
Trivia: Was a witness at Lana Turner’s first wedding to Husband Stephen Crane. Star Dust was basically based on her beginnings in Hollywood. Romantically linked to Mickey Rooney, Howard Hughes, and Joseph L. Mankiewicz.

138. Frances Farmer

Frances Farmer isn’t as known for her work in Hollywood during the 1930s than for her involuntary commitment to a mental hospital, which has become the stuff of Hollywood legend that Jessica Lange played her in a film.

Personal Life: (1913-1970) Born in Seattle, Washington. Father was a prominent lawyer. Worked as a movies usher, waitress, tutor and factory worker while attending the University of Washington. Made her first film in 1936 at Paramount. Married 3 times with first marriage to Leif Erickson. Died of esophageal cancer at 56.
Famous for: American actress and TV host. Notable roles are Lotta Morgan/Lotta Bostrom from Come and Get It, Josie Mansfield from The Toast of New York, Ruby Taylor from South of Pago Pago, Linda Chalmers from Flowing Gold, Doris Halliday from Rhythm on the Range, Kitty Carr from World Premiere, Elaine Raden from Among the Living, and Isabel Blake from Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake.
Nominated for: Farmer was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1936 for Come and Get It, if any.
Reasons: Well, not only was Farmer alleged to be a Communist and an atheist, she had an outspoken style that made her uncooperative and contemptuous. She rebelled against the studio’s control and resisted every attempt they made to glamorize her private life. Refused to attend Hollywood parties or date other stars for the gossip columns. Not to mention, she’s more famous for her dramatic fall from grace when she was arrested on multiple charges and involuntarily committed to a mental hospital twice (with her mother having to assume legal guardianship). However, contrary to popular fictional portrayals, she was never lobotomized.
Trivia: Was agnostic and influenced by the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche according to a high school essay of hers she won $100 in a contest yet she would later convert to Roman Catholicism in 1959. Also won contests to Europe and the Soviet Union during her college years. Romantically linked to Clifford Odets. Had a second career as a daytime TV host in Indiana from 1958-1964.

139. Sylvia Sidney

Though Sylvia Sidney achieved fame by playing gangster gals in 1930s crime dramas, she is better known by younger viewers as the afterlife caseworker from Beetlejuice and the Slim Whitman loving grandmother from Mars Attacks!. Also wrote 2 books on needle point.

Personal Life: (1910-1990) Born Sophia Kosow in The Bronx of New York City to Russian and Romanian Jews. Father was a Russian Jewish immigrant who worked as a clothing salesman. Mother would later become a dressmaker. Parents divorced in 1915 and mother remarried a man named Sidney who adopted her. Became an actress at 15 as a way of overcoming shyness and trained in the Theater Guild’s School of Acting, appearing in several theatrical productions during the 1920s. Discovered by a Hollywood talent scout in 1926 and made her first film later that year. Married 3 times and had a son wit second husband Luther Adler, who died of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Was a lifelong smoker. Died of esophageal cancer in New York City at 88.
Famous for: American actress who rose to prominence in the 1930s appearing in numerous crime dramas, often playing a gangster’s girlfriend or sister. Notable roles are Nan Cooley from City Streets, Roberta “Bert” Alden from An American Tragedy, Rose Maurrant from Street Scene, Helen Smith from The Miracle Man, Joan Prentice from Merrily We Go to Hell, Cho-Cho San from Madame Butterfly, Katherine Grant from Fury, Mrs. Verloc from Sabotage, Joan Graham from You Only Live Once, Drina from Dead End, Cecily Harrington from Love from a Stranger, Fantine from Les Miserables, Mrs. Pritchett from Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams, Miss Coral from I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, Juno from Beetlejuice, and Grandma Florence Norris from Mars Attacks!
Nominated for: Sidney was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1973 for Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1977 for I Never Promised You a Rose Garden.
Reasons: Sidney was typecast as gangster molls and sisters early in her career and kindly old ladies in her later years. In 1977, she spoke of how producers came to typecast her as “the girl of the gangster, then the sister who was bringing up the gangster, then later the mother of the gangster, and they always had me ironing somebody’s shirt.” As for her Oscar nomination, she was just burned by the competition. Not to mention, she was a more prominent actress in the theater than in films.
Trivia: Tim Burton was a big fan of hers. Wrote 2 popular books on needle point.

140. Van Johnson

Though Van Johnson was the embodiment of the cheery wholesome boy next door onscreen during the 1950s, much of his live wasn’t which included a difficult childhood, a 1943 near-fatal car accident, and a supposedly engineered marriage by MGM to quell gay rumors which ended horribly.

Personal Life: (1916-2008) Born Charles Van Dell Johnson in Newport, Rhode Island. Father was a plumber and real estate salesman. Mother was an alcoholic who left the family when he was a child and he had a chilly relationship with his father. Moved to New York City after graduating from high school and made his stage debut in 1935. Made his first movie in 1940. Was involved in a car crash in 1943 which left him with a metal plate on his forehead and scars on his face that the plastic surgery at the time couldn’t correctly conceal. Also had his scalp nearly sheared off. Yet, he slapped his scalp and crawled 50 yards to get to rescue workers for aid. Injury exempted him from service during WWII. Married to stage actress Eve Abbott for 23 years and had a daughter (though marriage might’ve been a publicity stunt to quell gay rumors). Retired in 1992. Died in New York of natural causes at 92.
Famous for: American actor, singer, and dancer who was a major MGM star during and after WWII. Was the embodiment of “the boy next door wholesomeness” that made him a popular Hollywood star in the 1940s and 1950s. Was one of the last surviving matinee idols of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Notable roles are Marcus Macauley from The Human Comedy, Ted Randall from A Guy Named Joe, Ted Lawson from Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, Spike McManus from State of the Union, John Alden from Plymouth Adventure, Lt. Stephen Maryk, USNR from The Caine Mutiny, Jeff Douglas from Brigadoon, Maurice Bendix from The End of the Affair, Charles Wills from Last Time I Saw Paris, Al Yearling from Divorce American Style, and Larry from The Purple Rose of Cairo.
Nominated for: Johnson was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1954 for The Caine Mutiny.
Reasons: Despite his image as a cheery guy, Johnson was reputed to be morose and moody because of his difficult early life and had little tolerance for unpleasantness. He and his daughter were estranged by his death. Also it’s said he was involved in many homosexual proclivities which were well known within the film industry but mostly covered up due to respect for privacy and Louis B. Mayer’s efforts to quash scandal (yet, this can’t really be proven). Still his marriage ended very bitterly and his life was frequent tabloid fodder.
Trivia: Was friends with Lucille Ball. Usually wore heavy makeup in his roles since 1943 with the sole exception of The Caine Mutiny. Always wore red socks.